Shane Richie Jnr is very much his father’s son.

Throughout December and January, the 24-year-old will star as Buttons in Cinderella at the Beck, alongside recording artist and 2009 X Factor winner, Joe McElderry, as Prince Charming, and experienced West End performer Jenny-Ann Topham as the Wicked Stepmother.

Just 20 miles west in Buckinghamshire, Shane Richie Snr, now best known as soap favourite Alfie Moon in EastEnders, will also be taking to the Wycombe Swan Theatre stage in the very same role.

“You will see two totally different Buttons. He will be quite full-on and in your face. We share a similar sense of humour, but we are quite different in other ways.”

The pair shared the stage in a Christmas production of Aladdin at the Swan in 2009, along with the youngest of the Richie clan, Jake, and it was not all plain sailing.

“It was a good laugh. We had the odd argument, and he didn’t like that we got bigger cheers,” said Shane.

Shane Richie Jnr (Buttons), Joe McElderry (Prince) and Jenny-Ann Topham (Wicked
Stepmother) star in Cinderella at the Beck Theatre, Hayes
Shane Richie Jnr (Buttons), Joe McElderry (Prince) and Jenny-Ann Topham (Wicked Stepmother) star in Cinderella at the Beck Theatre, Hayes

Aside from being his namesake, Shane has taken the same route into the entertainment business, starting out as a bluecoat entertainer.

Shane, who grew up in Uxbridge and attended both ACS Hillingdon and Uxbridge High in his formative years, was a promising footballer before reaching a crossroads at the age of 18.

“I played for Arsenal at one time, and was training three times a week but I wasn’t good enough, simple as that, and I had to make a decision.

“I was working a job, and I knew that it just wasn’t me at all.

“My dad suggested I became a bluecoat, and that’s how I fell into it really. I was there for 18 months, and it was the best training I could have ever had.

“No one knew me down there. It was a fresh start. It was extremely hard work, you are never off stage, but it kept me on my toes.”

Learning his stagecraft at Brean Sands in Somerset, his breakthrough came with his lead role in the national tour of 70s musical Boogie Nights, stepping in to replace his old man.

With the weight of expectation that comes with being of showbusiness stock – his mum is TV presenter and former singer Coleen Nolan – he had to prove that he was cast on merit.

“It was the most pressure I have been under in my life. I had to be as good as my dad, but luckily for me it went brilliantly. I am the better singer even though he wouldn’t admit it, and he has been a big inspiration to me.

“It was just an amazing experience. I got to perform with the Osmonds. I grew up listening to them, and now I have their numbers on my phone.”

Shane’s work schedule is chock-a-block, as he also tours the UK’s holiday parks fronting SRJ band, performing party covers. Rehearsals for Cinderella start in November.

Cinderella is at the Beck Theatre, in Grange Road, Hayes, from Saturday, December 14, to Sunday, January 5.

Tickets, on sale now, are £18.50/£22.50 (£2 off for concessions). A family ticket (two adults and two children, or one adult and three children) costs £69, and there are also offers available for large groups, and groups of schoolchildren and OAPs. See www.becktheatre.org.uk or call 020 8561 8371.