SPENCER Smith made his name on Big Brother 3 as the mandatory "heart-throb" who was just too cool for school.

So what's he doing playing Jack in Blackburn's pantomime production of Jack in the Beanstalk?

"I love panto," he protests.

"On Big Brother I wasn't trying to be Mr Cool but when you're stuck in a house with a load of people who are full of themselves it makes you not want to get involved."

Since becoming a household name on everyone's favourite reality TV show, Spencer has been busy making a documentary on fishing for the Discovery Channel and doing lots and lots of nightclub PAs - that's public appearances to me and you.

"It took me a while to get the hang of it, but basically you get paid to go to a club and stand there for an hour waving and signing girls' boobs.

"I've signed thousands of boobs. You think to yourself This is fantastic'.

"It's lucky that they don't usually book you for clubs near your home town because my mates would turn up to heckle me."

Spencer maintains he doesn't regret his Big Brother experience.

"It was a good experience and it gave me lots of opportunities but I don't really think much about it anymore. Nobody really mentions it much now."

He does, however, admit to being a little bit apprehensive about his latest role as Jack at King George's Hall.

"I'm a bit nervous but I'm really looking forward to it," he said.

"Last year I was the Genie in Aladdin and the year before I was an Ugly Sister.

"Those parts were easy because I could just joke around on stage without much pressure.

"But this year as Jack it's a bit more nerve-racking.

"I think the character of Jack is a bit wussy too but I'm hoping I can toughen him up a bit."

So is he looking forward to spending Christmas in Blackburn - a long way from his home town of Cambridge?

"I've never been to Blackburn before and I'll be spending Christmas Day there but it doesn't worry me.

"Panto is perfect for someone like me because I hate Christmas Day - I can't be bothered with the present buying and that stuff.

"If I can spend Christmas Day in bed watching The Snowman I'll be happy."

See Spencer in Jack In The Beanstalk from Wednesday, December 13 to Sunday, December 31 at King George's Hall, Blackburn. For tickets, call 01254 582582.