JAY McGuiness, singer/songwriter with boy band The Wanted, believes that the world can spin on a sixpence and he is not inclined to meticulously plan ahead.

The dice have fallen in his favour in recent years, taking him to different areas of the entertainment world, beginning with his career choice.

He Googled auditions and two job applications appeared: an advertisement for The Wanted and another to join the circus.

“I just followed my feet,” said Jay.

“If I look back, it looks like everything was planned; I went into this band that took off and then went on Strictly, which has since led me to different theatre strands. It looks like it has all been planned but, honestly, it hasn’t.

“At some point in my life I need to come up with a plan, but I’ve not done it yet and so far so good.”

Jay, with professional dancer, Aliona Vilani, won the 2015 Strictly Come Dancing Championship glitter ball.

He is now on tour alongside fellow champion Louis Smith, the Olympic medalist, who won the TV show in in 2013 with Flavia Cacace. They are both under the guiding hand of Strictly pro dancer Natalie Lowe in the dance spectacular based on the era of the 1950s.

The three entertainers will be ripping it up in Swindon on Saturday, September 23 at the Wyvern Theatre.

Rip It Up makes a song and dance about the rock ‘n’ roll era creating a sound track and visual high jinks that include some Strictly moves and that memorable Jay jive.

Jay said: “There will be plenty of similar stuff to Strictly, but the difference is that there will be a little bit more to it than just dancing - but I don’t think it will involve tanning and Lycra!”

Natalie has retired from the TV spectacular, she is returning to Australia to be married and will also be working on various theatre shows with Ian Waite back here in the UK.

Natalie said: “I’m producing my own show at the end of the year, as well as starting two or three of my own companies, all off the back of being a ballroom dancer.

“It is such a beautiful world to be a part of because you do really touch people’s lives.

“That’s my main reason for leaving; to become a choreographer and get excited about shows.”

Before the tour started Jay was holidaying in America but said that he was still putting in some prep work for Rip It Up.

“I got some sun, some rest and some physical training with some hikes and exercise. I’m more active when I am over there.

“In LA, you are either a bit of a slob or you are gym bunny. I always come back from there refreshed. I go walking and camping along the coast as I love to rough it and be outdoorsy,” he said, but the most challenging preparation was his hair!

“Getting my messy hair into a quiff was the first challenge, it isn’t as easy as it sounds,” he said.

The singer says that he simply ignored the rumours about a relationship with Aliona, his dance partner on Strictly.

“When it came out we thought they can talk all they want, and we just ignored it.

“We weren’t going to fuel a fire. Right now I am happily single,” he said.

Jay grew up in Newark and has a twin brother called Thomas.

He joined The Wanted in 2010 and they shot to fame with their debut single, All Time Low, which snared the number one slot in the UK singles chart. They scored three other number ones including the world-wide hit, Glad You Came, and collaborated with some big names such as Rita Ora, Pitbull and Chris Brown.

The Wanted are currently on a break to allow Jay, Max George, Siva Keneswaran, Tom Parker and Nathan Sykes to explore their own solo projects.

Jay will not be wasting his vocals as he will be singing in the show accompanied by the Leo Green’s band.

“Yes, I’ll be singing. Louis will be singing, too. Who knows? We could be like the 50s version of The Black Eyed Peas. It’s cool to be doing more than just dancing, especially as The Wanted are on our most indefinite hiatus,” said Jay.

Following the tour Louis will be back to athletics training as he prepares for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

Jay will be back on our TV screens in October as he and his family take part in the Channel 4 show Hunted.

“It’s where you run from policeman and CCTV, and all that. We gave them a good run for their money. I really enjoyed doing it,” said Jay.

Tickets to see Rip It Up in Swindon are £21.50 - 37, VIP: £57 which includes centre stalls seat, laminate, souvenir brochure and meet and greet before the show. For more details call 01793 524481 or visit www.swindontheatres.co.uk.