Channing Tatum says he would love to get on stage for Magic Mike Live — but he’s too self-conscious to strip off in front of the younger dancers.
The Hollywood star, 38, launched his show at the Hippodrome Casino in Leicester Square last night. He conceived and co-directed the immersive show, which is based on his hit films Magic Mike and Magic Mike XXL.
Tatum, who is dating British singer Jessie J, said: “I love dancing and I love these guys and performing. But when you stand up there with your shirt off next to them with the way they look... I don’t work out on an everyday basis — I know everyone thinks I do but I do not.
"If I ever get in that shape again I will absolutely be in the show for a weekend or something.”
Magic Mike Live, which previously ran in Las Vegas, had its run extended through to next October after unprecedented demand for tickets.
He said: “The West End, come on! It’s a joke in the first movie that we’re going to take it ‘global’ because it sounds so silly that you can take a strip show global. Now we’re in London it seems like a hilarious joke that somehow keeps making people laugh.”
Tatum, who has worked as a stripper, said he wanted the show to make people feel “liberated".
“I don’t want anybody coming and being scared of not being in control of their own body,” he said. “They should feel liberated and empowered by the entire experience.”
Addressing potential criticism over male objectification, he said: “I’m all for some equal opportunity objectification. It’s been the other way for so long so I think it’s just fine. But I’m completely aware some men aren’t comfortable with it, but this one is. I don’t think these women should go out there and treat men on the street how they do in the show.”
