Christopher Biggins’ Rocky Horror role is a return to an old favourite, writes KATHERINE MACALISTER.

Christopher Biggins has just returned from his stint on the Dancing On Ice tour.

“Skating?” I ask, trying to mask my disbelief. “Oh no,” he bursts out laughing. “God no.” It turns out he was a judge and heaps praise on anyone attempting the art of ice skating.

No rest for the wicked though. Christopher scarcely has time to unpack his suitcase before the 61-year-old joins the Rocky Horror Show as narrator, coming to Oxford on Monday.

“There are seven narrators so we come and go, which is quite nice really. And to a certain extent we get to choose which shows we are in, and Oxford’s not far at all for me in London,” he adds.

“So it’s no problem dipping in and out – it’s like riding a bike.”

But then Biggins is an old hat at Rocky Horror, having starred in the original 1975 Rocky Horror Picture Show film with Susan Sarandon. “It was such a long time ago,” he says, “and lots and lots of fun. More fun and more crazy offstage than on, actually,” he guffaws.

So how did the part come about? “Well I knew everyone in the film and went to the opening night of the play,” he says. But then Christopher Biggins is one of those people, a schmoozer who knows everyone, a true luvvie. And after his stint in the jungle in I’m A Celebrity... we all know him too. “I think people did see a different side of me in the jungle,” he agrees, “I was already well known, but I’m A Celebrity introduced me to a whole new generation of people.

“And I only did it to get a little pension and thought that if I came fourth that would be good. But to go on and win it was fantastic. And I think a lot of people who come along to Rocky Horror do so because of the jungle,” he says.

Not that he wants to take any credit for that. As a lifelong fan himself, he knows the Rocky Horror appeal is as strong as ever. “The show’s the star, with the added bonus of myself,” he laughs. “And it’s like panto – a great cast, great story and great audience participation. That’s why it’s so fantastic and that’s why it goes on and on. People love to get dressed up and enjoy themselves. “And no one dresses up quite as much as with Rocky Horror. It’s hysterical to watch the audience and see their costumes. They are always people who really know how to enjoy themselves.”

As for Christopher Biggins, he is rather enjoying all the fuss. “My first entrance is unbelievable,” he says in those famously camp tones. “They go mad. Lots of cheering and shouting which is very exciting. And because of the film I think I’m a natural choice for narrator. I love doing it. Wonderful cast, quite superb.”

All this work is having a terrible effect on Christopher’s social life, though. Having demonstrated his cooking abilities so adeptly on Channel 4’s Come Dine With Me he gets little time at home with partner, flight attendant Neil Sinclair, or in the kitchen these days. “Time is the big thing. You need a lot of time to cook and I can’t find it. I haven’t done a dinner party for ages but I am very fond of entertaining at home or going out to a restaurant with friends.”

Cooking aside though, Christopher Biggins is a happy, if tired man. “I have achieved all my aspirations. I just want to keep working and enjoy myself.”

* The Rocky Horror Show is at the New Theatre, Oxford, from Monday until Saturday –call 0844 8471585 or visit newtheatre oxford.org.uk