MUSICAL theatre star Tommy Steele revealed today why he couldn’t turn down the role of Glenn Miller.

The one-time rock n’roll stars in The Glenn Miller Story at the King’s Theatre in September.

“The music is fantastic,” says Tommy, who at 78 still boasts the blond hair he had in the fifties when he broke into the charts with Rock The Caveman.

“I was taken by my parents to see Glenn Miller when I was a little boy and I loved the whole experience.”

Tommy adds; “But it’s also a great story. Glenn Miller was a man searching for the perfect sound and I loved that whole tale of him being so meticulous about his music.

“Then when you add to that the tragedy, you have all the material for a musical theatre show.”

It’s been 70 years since Glenn Miller vanished over the English Channel as he flew to Paris to entertain the troops during World War II.

Miller, who was 40 when he died, was one of the most influential music figures in the world, creating his own definitive swing sound and songs such as Chattanooga Choo Choo.

This new musical spectacular features the 16 piece Glenn Miller Orchestra.

Tommy Steele admits he was taken aback when producer Bill Kenwright told him off the show – then told him he would be playing Glenn Miller.

“I said ‘I’m too old to play Glenn Miller,’ but he just looked at me and smiled and said ‘Tommy, you’re a song and dance man. You’re never too old.’”

• The Glenn Miller Story, the King’s Theatre, September 15 – 19.