As a member of one of the biggest boy bands of the early Naughties, Antony Costa was known throughout the world. He helped Blue clock up more than seven million record sales, three chart-topping albums, three UK number one singles, and two Brit Awards. The band even dueted with Stevie Wonder and Elton John.
But, when Blue split in July 2005, Costa fell off the public radar as his attempts to launch a solo career stalled.
However, he seems to have found his feet again, this time on the stage, having performed in the West End. He now has his own UK tour, wowing audiences with songs from Blood Brothers and Boogie Nights, along with many of Blue's hits.
"It is quite scary because you don't know if anyone is going to turn up," he says, "I have not done anything like this for a for a good year so, fingers crossed, it goes well."
During his time in Blue, Costa certainly didn't have to worry about people turning up.
"We came out when the boy band thing was on a downward slope," Costa says, "and I think we came through the back door a bit. Luckily, the fans liked us. I think it was because we were just normal lads and people related to us.
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"Nowadays, it is mostly blokes who stop me in the street and tell me how much they liked this or that song."
Having spent so much time with his bandmates, Simon Webbe, Lee Ryan and Duncan James, Costa admits that, despite their differences, they all became good friends.
"I miss the lads because they know me inside-out," adds Costa. "They know my good points and bad, and vice-versa, and I think that is part of the reason we were successful.
"But we were all so different and I think that was another reason why Blue worked."
When the four went their separate ways in 2005, Costa admits the feeling of being on his own was a little scary.
"It is weird because you are in a band for a long time and then it stops and you think, What do I do now?'
"You know you have to get on with other stuff and it can be daunting. You have to weigh your options, be honest with yourself, and say, This is what I can do and this what I can't'.
"But you always have to prove yourself - like football, if you don't play well, you will be on the bench.
"Doing solo work is exciting and daunting at the same time.
"Prior to this, I had been doing theatre work, which I really enjoyed because you have the camaraderie of the cast. It's a different vibe because people are not there to see Antony Costa, they are there to see the show, so it's a case of doing your job."
Antony Costa, Fairfield Hall, March 13, 7.45pm, call 020 8688 9291, or visit fairfield.co.uk
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