GRADO is set to become a panto star at the Pavilion, appearing in Elfie’s Magical Adventure.

However, the wrestler-turned actor reveals he could well be on his way to national TV fame.

Grado has completed a pilot for a new ITV wrestling show, which could propel the 27 year-old from Stevenston into the very big time.

“I filmed a pilot in the style of Saturday afternoon’s World of Sport and ITV are throwing hundreds of money at it.

“It goes out next week and it looks cracking, big screens, big investment the lot. So hopefully it will become a series as big as Gladiators.”

Meantime Grado (real name Graeme Stevely) is rapturous about being part of the panto team.

“I love it,” he says. “And I work so well with Stephen Purdon. We’re like a wrestling tag team and we’ve got great timing.

“In fact, I can’t believe it how similar wrestling is to panto. I’m having a great time.”

The Pavilion is making the most of Grado’s larger than life character, and the fact he’s a fighter.

“I appear as Iron Man,” he says, grinning. “But with irons on my head. And at one part I appear as Donald Trump, daft wig and all.

“But the only time I’ve ever danced before was when getting into the ring, to the backing of Madonna.”

He adds, laughing; “I’m getting there. But some of the hats I have to wear are really heavy and this makes the dancing harder.”

He has to sing too. “I was thrown right into the deep end at rehearsals, but by 10 am I was singing in front of everyone.”

Grado adds; “I just love it. I feel panto is perfect for me. But I have to watch I don’t get out of puff. These dancers are amazing and really fit.”

But surely a professional athlete has an in-built fitness?

“No, man. I’ve not been in a gym since August 2015. I had a personal trainer for a wee while, but I felt too embarrassed because people recognise me when lifting the wee pink dumbells.”

Grado is wrestling at the Hydro tomorrow night, but that will be his last match until after panto season.

The young star, who has featured in BBC comedy Scots Squad and starred in soap River City, is hopeful the World Of Sport-type wrestling idea will take off on ITV.

But if not, he will continue as an entertainer and an actor.

“I love acting,” he says, smiling. “I want to get into Two Doors Down, it’s hilarious. And don’t you think I could play Rab C. Nesbitt’s boy? I even look like Rab. Drop my name in if you can.”

• Elfie’s Magical Adventure, The Pavilion Theatre, November 24 – January 15.