Exclusive Interview with What's Love Got To Do With It's leading lady, Holly Bannis

Tina Turner is arguably one of the biggest and most iconic artists to ever grace the stage. With huge hits such as "What's Love Got to Do with It" and Simply the Best, Tina has smashed charts across the globe.

Now her music lives on through the exciting touring theatre show What's Love Got to do with it. A homage to Tina and the work she did.

Audiences can expect a night of high energy, feel-good, rock and roll music filled with Tina Turner's best and most memorable hits.

It certainly would take someone very special to play the part of the Icon that is, Tina Turner, and that is where the very talented Holly Bannis comes in. Matty from 24 Seven sat down with Holly to discuss all things Tina Turner, and what it is like to play her on tour from Hull to the dizzying heights of London.

"Holly welcome to 24 Seven Lifestyle, I would like to start with some quick fire questions if that is ok?"

"It's a pleasure to be here, lets do this"

Q. What would be the funniest sport to add music to?

A. Oh, I think it would have to be boxing or golf.

Q. If animals could talk, which would be the rudest?

A. 100% Cats.

Q. Texting or Talking?

A. Talking

Q. Where is the best place you have performed?

A. The Royal Albert Hall.

So Holly, tell me how did all this start?

I used to sing a lot of Tina Turner songs in clubs, restaurants, etc for about 10 years until I got the chance to go on the ITV show star-struck as Tina Turner. I was aware that the production company for What's Love got to do with it, was looking for a new leading lady, they saw me, offered me an audition and the rest is history.

So what was it like being on star struck?

It was honestly amazing, probably, the best opportunity I could have asked for. I was itching to get out there with a production company and do it on a bigger scale. I had to do a lot of work for Tina, a lot of workshops but I guess it all paid off.

How did that phone call go from the production company telling you, you will be playing Tina?

It was honestly surreal, I had actually, just been to see the show as a paying customer in London as a hype for my show airing on Starstruck. It really was crazy to be watching the show, to watching me on TV, to getting the call asking me to be Tina. It really changed my life. It took me away from my day job. I get to tour the UK and perform at some amazing venues. While I was watching the show I actually turned to my friend and said "This is what I want to do".

So the big question Why Tina Turner?

She was massive in my household growing up, we loved her as a family. It was such high energy, and rock and roll and I think for me, if there was one person I could go out and emulate best it would be Tina.

How does it feel to represent one of the biggest Icons in music?

Oh, It's a complete honour to be honest, being a performer, high energy is what keeps you going and owning that stage, strutting around that stage like Tina did, It just really works for me and my personality.

How do you prepare to go on stage because you are, almost playing a character?

Yes, I certainly am. There is a lot of preparation. Yes, the show is a tribute to her music, but it's also a tribute to her life. I have to get into that character and getting ready with the outfits and music is one thing, but the second that wig goes on, full character kicks in, then the first beat of the first song hits and I walk on that stage and I'm in the zone.

Have you had any embarrassing moments as Tina?

Yes. There have definitely been times were things haven't gone to plan. Wigs falling off,

wardrobe malfunctions, it does happen, but ultimately the show must go on.

So, this is a big tour you're doing. How do you relax while on tour?

Yes, the tour goes on all year, It never ends. The show is very high energy so when I am at home it's really important to me that I find time to rest. On the road, I never really get the chance to see the city that I'm in, which is a shame, but ultimately I am there to work, so I really just have to rest and relax a lot.

How do you prepare for the tour?

Well, I have a process of just packing and thinking about the food I have to eat to keep myself

healthy because it's really important that I keep my fitness up. I have to train a lot so I'll be

checking where I'm performing and seeing if a gym is nearby or where I can go for a run. I also have to mentally prepare a lot. There is a lot of travel and sound checking. It's such a different routine to my life and I do try to keep them separate.

What can people expect from the show?

Well, the tour is already underway, it started in January and is going on all year. I do believe

there are dates for 2026 out too, but people can expect a high-energy show, very energetic, like I said, I do have to get into character, so you can expect myself and the band will try and give you as close to a real, life Tina turner show as possible. It's more of a concert, it's not like a musical, it's a tribute to her life and songs and there will be plenty of opportunities to get up and dance and maybe some audience participation.

Finally. What's your favorite Tina Turner song? And why should people come to the show?

Oh, That's hard but it would have to be, Nut Bush City Limits, which comes later on in the show. And people should come and see the show if they are a big fan of Tina and they love a very energetic show, packed with songs you can sing your heart out to,

Well, If that hasn't sold it to you then I'm not sure what will. Tickets for the show can be found on the website, Livenation, Ticketmaster and also local Theatre ticket offices.

big thank you to the lovely Holly Bannis for her time.

Enjoy the show!