RISING star Ciaran Kellgren is using Pilates classes in St Helens to help train for the tough physical demands when he takes on the lead role in a new production of Peter Pan in London.

Ciaran, 23, will also make his Shameless debut next week as Debbie’s new boyfriend. He then aims to fly high in the part of ‘the boy who never grew-up’ this summer.

He is training at the North West Pilates Centre on Claughton Street in order to prevent injuries when he embarks on the run of shows of the £2.7 Million production of Peter Pan in May.

Peter Pan will be staged at Kensington Gardens in London and begins its 17-week stint on May 26. The show stars Ciaran as Peter alongside Titanic actor Jonathon Hyde as Hook.

Ciaran said: “I can feel the difference since I started the classes – it’s hard but it really does help.

“Pilates has made my muscles more flexible and given me increased core strength, which is vital for the aerial work required in playing the Peter Pan role.

“The trapeze that Nisha has in her studio has also been a massive bonus. It’s great preparation for long routines and it also works in preventing injury.”

He added: “The show is going to be amazing with 3-D effects and it will feel like the audience are going on an adventure with us.”

Ciaran graduated from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) two years ago and has appeared in numerous stage productions and television shows including BBC’s Doctors and Cold Blood.

He has been training at the St Helens-based centre twice a week for two-hour sessions.

Nisha Srivastava, owner of North West Pilates, said: “Pilates builds up inner body strength and that can prevent injuries. You can really feel the benefits both physically and mentally within a few weeks.”

North West Pilates have newly refurbished facilities in St Helens town entre and have also worked with professional footballers.

The centre offers classes five nights per week in their brand new fitness suite.

More information can be found by logging on to www.pilates4sport.com