Former X Factor star Diana Vickers has revealed a whole new steamy side of herself in the Rocky Horror Show. But before the production arrives in Kent, she talked fans, plans and underwear.

I like to go for a little walk before I go to the theatre...

It clears my head and I can focus. Then we go in to a warm-up for an hour. We have a half-hour vocal warm up and the same physically, as it’s a very physical and demanding show. You get tired sometimes but your adrenalin carries you through it.

This is my eighth month in Rocky...

I’ve loved every minute. The adrenalin for the first couple of months was enormous. It is exciting, fresh and a great show. There could be a night when you’re not feeling completely on your game and then the curtains pull back...

Occasionally you might have an audience that is a bit quiet...

Yes, it does happen. I would say about 80-90% of the time they are raring to go and their energy is infectious. The energy of the audience really makes the show. It’s fine when they’re a bit quiet but if the audience can come with you, the energy is double. There’s definitely no show like the Rocky Horror Show – no other musical like it.

You get Rocky Horror “super” fans...

You get some nights where people don’t know the show and occasionally people who’ve never been before. I know – those people do exist! Not everyone dresses up all the time, even though that’s what people think happens.

I’m really enjoying playing Janet...

She starts off very innocent but becomes free and liberated.

I spend a lot of the play in my underwear but then we all do!...

I remember the first time I did it. I’m pretty confident about my body but sometimes you have days when you don’t feel it so much. Ninety per cent of the time I don’t even think about it. It doesn’t faze me. We are all in it together after all – we’re all half naked on stage together! And there’s so much going on. I’ve done a few other things where I’ve been more naked anyway.

My time at the Marlowe will almost be the end of my run with the show...

I’ve got a part in Big in the West End to go to next. It’s a stage show of the film with Tom Hanks in it. I’m really looking forward to it. It’s an opportunity to do something really exciting and new.

THE SHOW

Who’s ready to do the Time Warp again?

Hit musical the Rocky Horror Show is still on tour more than 40 years after it was first performed.

The show which was originally created by Richard O’Brien comes to Canterbury next week. The latest reincarnation features X Factor finalist Diana Vickers as innocent Janet, the squeaky-clean college girl with her fiancé Brad whose car breaks down outside Dr Frank N Furter’s house.

Diana auditioned for ITV’s X Factor in 2008, and after the show was snapped up for a part in award-winning comedy the Rise and Fall of Little Voice in the West End.

After releasing her debut single in 2010, Diana followed it up with two more albums, unveiled a fashion line and made her film debut in The Perfect Wave.

Alongside her in the Rocky Horror Show is S Club 7’s Paul Cattermole, The Voice’s Liam Tamne with tour stalwarts Richard Meek as Brad, and Kristian Lavercombe as Riff Raff.

With outrageous outfits, fun, frolics and some naughtiness, the show features musical floor fillers including the Time Warp.

THE DETAILS

The Rocky Horror Show is at the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, from Monday, August 1 to Saturday, August 6. For tickets from £18 call 01227 787787, or go to marlowetheatre.com.