Mark Furze (Eric ‘Ric’ Dalby, Home and Away)

What are your top three favourite artists and favourite album?
Megadeth, Winger, AC/DC. Fav Album is “1987″ – Whitesnake

What is your favourite music style?
Classic Heavy Metal

Who would you compare yourself with musically?
Well vocally i really respect Jamie Cullum.

What can audiences expect from your performance?
I might be a metal guy but I’ll try and throw in a bit of everything. As long as people are mused, I’ll be happy. Nothing too serious, I’m there for a good time.

What would your character Ric think about doing the show?
Probably not much because he’s not a real person.

How have friends and family reacted to news of you doing the show?
My family is stoked, they can’t wait to see it. My mates also can’t wait to see it but they’re looking for any excuse to have a laugh! Everyone’s really excited.

Did you or any of your friends watch last year?
Unfortunately it wasn’t aired in Australia but I hear it was pretty big!

What is your date of birth?
7/May/86

What musical experience do you have?
I play guitar and drums, music is a really big part of my life but I’ve had no singing training. I went in all the school musicals and try to sing along with my guitar but I’m self taught.

Who are your favourite singers and why?
I love Jamie Cullum, Jazz is great and he’s created some fantastic music. I’m also a big fan of David Coverdale from Whitesnake, he’s got one of the best rock voices in the world.

How do you feel about singing live on the show?
Probably going to be the most terrifying thing I’ve ever tried to do but at the end of the day, if I stuff up at least it’ll be funny. I’m sure I’ll have a great time.

The show is a competition, so how will you approach it?
I think I’ll just enjoy performing with the band and the other guys, which means if I sing badly, I won’t be able to do it anymore. I’ll give it my best.

You are usually on television as Ric Dalby, so how will you feel about appearing on TV night after night as yourself rather than your soap character?
As an actor you’re totally comfortable because it’s not you up there, so it will be very daunting having nothing to hide behind.