(publicationunknown), 2002

Could sexy Forsyte Saga star Damian Lewis be set to exchange his period drama costumes for jazz pumps?

The carrot-topped actor seems intent on following in the steps of Richard Gere -- who makes tap dancing look cool in the critically-acclaimed movie Chicago -- and star in a flashy musical.

I have a secret hankering to sing and dance on stage," admits Damian, 31, who recently started going out with TV producer Georgina Hurford-Jones, 30. "I like to think I can sing -- I mean, I've got a musical ear. I was in a musical once at the Donmar Warehouse but no one seems to remember that."

Still, sounds like the Guildhall School of Music and Drama graduate has been practising his vocals.

"He sings in the shower all the time," mutters an exasperated-sounding Georgina.