EXCLUSIVE: Lee Mead opened up about a potential return to TV after performing in the upcoming stage production of Sister Act.

Lee Mead teased a return to TV (Image: BBC)

Lee Mead discussed a potential return to TV after his latest role comes to an end. The 42-year-old is set to star as Eddie Souther in the West End production of Sister Act, performing alongside Alexandra Burke and Ruth Jones.

As well as a lengthy and successful career on stage, Lee has had plenty of on-screen roles. The actor is perhaps best known for playing Ben ‘Lofty’ Chiltern in BBC drama Casualty.

He made his debut in 2014, portraying Lofty for two years before returning for one episode in 2017. He officially reprised the role in 2016, but this time starring in fellow medical drama Holby City.

His final appearance in Holby City came in 2019. On whether he would like more TV roles in the future, Lee exclusively told Express.co.uk: “I would love to do more TV going forward. I think it just comes down to what’s available from your agent.

“You could be a massive film star, but you’ve got no real control, every job is your last job. You can only take what’s presented in front of you.”

Lee made his Casualty debut in 2014 (Image: BBC)

Lee added: “It would be lovely if there was an opportunity to audition for a TV drama going forward. It’s been about three or four years since my last TV role so I would love to do some more TV going forward.”

The Motherland star has had a full schedule since landing the role of Eddie, however, he has no plans to take a break once the production has wrapped. Explaining why, Lee said: “I’ve got my bills to pay as well. Like all of us, it would be nice to take a few months off but I don’t think I can afford to do that.

“Like all of us, it doesn’t matter what job you do, you have to pay the bills. I’m just really lucky that I get to do what I love as my job, so I feel grateful.”

Despite his stage career spanning more than two decades, Eddie will be Lee’s first ever comedy role in a musical. Expressing his excitement, the Any Dream Will Do winner said: “It’s a bit different, so it’s nice when a job comes along and it’s something I’ve never done before.

Lee will play Eddie Souther in the stage production of Sister Act (Image: Instagram/Lee Mead)

“I’m really looking forward to performing it to the audience because he is such a funny character, and it’s finding those nuances and those funny moments which I’m doing now in rehearsals. It’s going to be really great so I can’t wait really.”

Lee took over the role of Eddie from Clive Rowe while Alexandra is stepping into the shoes of main character Deloris Van Cartier, following on from Beverley Knight.

Lee watched the production at the Dominion Theatre a few weeks ago, branding Beverley “incredible” before gushing over his new co-star. “Alex is going to be an amazing Deloris,” he said. “With that kind of part, you need someone who is really strong and talented, and she really is.”

The Casualty star added: “She’s not just got a great voice and range but she has a real soul to her voice. You believe what she’s singing and that’s really important in musicals.”