Lee Mead has spoken out about his relationship with Denise Van Outen, saying that the seven year age gap between them, makes no difference to their relationship.

Lee and Denise first met as Lee competed in BBC’s Any Dream Will Do last year, however it was months later before they actually became a couple.

“I think it’s hilarious. Denise is only seven years older, so it’s not a big gap,” Lee told the Sunday Mirror. “It seems that if a guy is older than a woman he gets congratulated for it but if a woman is older than a guy it’s somehow not as acceptable. It’s not an issue for us at all.”

Asked about their future, Lee revealed: “I can’t wait to have a family of my own. I’m really looking forward to being a dad. You never know what the future will hold and it’s still early days. But we’re getting on really well and I like Denise. A lot.”

Lucky lucky Denise Van Outen! How many of us would sell our back teeth, or our front ones for that matter for the chance of a date with the gorgeous Lee Mead!

Denise made it more than obvious on BBC reality TV show, Any Dream Will Do, that she had the hots for Lee. But when the show ended, both singers were in relationships and they fell out of touch for a while.

However, last month Lee split up from his girlfriend and when he found out Denise was also single, invited her to dinner.

A ‘pal’ told the The Sun newspaper: “There was a real spark on the show. They liked each other, but neither was available. After they finished filming in June they lost touch for a while.

“But after Lee split with his girlfriend he set his sights on Denise. He called her and asked her out for dinner. It went really well. It’s pretty serious considering it’s only been going on for four weeks.”

Denise Van Outen has slammed recent ITV reality TV shows, saying that they are more interested in their ratings, than their contestants.

Denise echoed a recent debate on our forum when she told The Stage:

“They [Grease Is The Word] were not so serious about finding genuine stars.

“I am not saying the two people who won were not good as I have not seen them, but I think their search was more for TV viewers rather than finding and nurturing people for the West End.”

The Any Dream Will Do judge added: “The reason why the BBC shows are such a good thing is because I know the aftercare the contestants get when they leave the show.

“They are really looked after. If you look at lots of other shows like the X Factor, they don’t get as much care afterwards.

“They get their five minutes of fame but nothing else unless they win.”

Lee Mead, winner of reality TV show, Any Dream Will Do, has reached the pinnacle of his career so far, and picked up the Rear Of The Year 2007 award. The charity event aims to help the Beating Bowel Cancer organisation.

West End star Lee said: “I’m absolutely delighted this crucial part of my anatomy is helping to raise awareness for such an important cause.”

Andrew Lloyd Webber has said that the only reason the X Factor is enjoying such high ratings at the moment, is because his shows are off air.

The Lord, 59, said: “Last year it was up against Maria for a few weeks.

“We took a big chunk of their ratings. We were getting about six million and they were getting about seven million.

“So of course they are doing well this year — there’s nothing up against them.”

Lloyd Webber also revealed he will be back on TV with a BBC Christmas special with all the Maria and Joseph finalists.

And he added: “I am still talking with the BBC for a show next year. But it won’t be one of my musicals.”

Lee Mead, winner of BBC TV show, Any Dream Will Do, has landed a £100,000 record deal with Polydor records.

It is expected that Lee will release his debut albulm this Christmas.

A record company source says: “He’s going to be the new Michael Ball – but a lot cooler.”

Any Dream Will Do runners up, Lewis Bradley and Ben Ellis have both won major roles on the West End.

Lewis will share the role of Joseph with show winner, Lee Mead for one show a week, while Ben has landed a role on the West End Version of Hairspray.

Ben said:

“I am over the moon,” he said. “I can’t talk about exactly who I will be playing but it’s one of the main parts. This has been my dream and what I’ve worked towards for years.”

Elsewhere, second-placed Keith Jack, 19, is said to be busy working on a solo album, produced by X-Factor judge Louis Walsh

Lee Mead suffered yet another technical hitch last night during his debut performance in Joseph and His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.

As if it wasn’t bad enough that last week’s preview was ruined by a massive technical problem, leaving the cast with no set or props, last night’s opening show had to be halted once again due tgo a problem with the revolving stage.

Luckily, most critics seemed impressed by Lee’s performance, The Telegraph’s Charles Spencer said Mead “has a powerful and expressive voice” but was concerned “his vocals were beginning to sound a little frayed” by the end.

And Paul Callan of the Daily Express said of Mead: “He has a great talent, and will go far. His voice is clear, firm and convincing.”

Following a standing ovation, the losing contestants of the Any Dream Will Do show joined Mead on stage, along with the musical’s creators Sir Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Lee Mead, winner of BBC TV show, Any Dream Will Do, will be facing the critics for the first time tonight as Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat opens tonight.

Here’s hoping the show goes better than last weeks preview, when due to a technical hitch, the second half of the show was performed with no set, lights or props!

Runner up from the BBC TV show, Any Dream Will Do, Craig Chalmers has landed the starring role in a touring production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

The 16-week regional tour of the musical kicks off on 20 August at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley, Kent.

The singer, who was once in the boyband No Reason, is hoping to use his “pop background to give Joseph a more up-to-date image”.

I am surprised by this casting choice. I liked Craig, but thought he lacked the talent of some of the stronger candidates, eg; Daniel and Seamus. Perhaps they didn’t audition for this tour.