Male strippers. Love them or loathe them, they have done their bit for equality of the sexes. But some have done it so much better than others. The Chippendales are the billed as the "ultimate girls' night out" and to stay top of the eye-candy charts is not an easy task. It's not just a case of getting your kit off, it needs pure choreography and great looking guys that really can dance. That's the winning combination and that's what sets the Chippendales apart.

It's not a strip show, it's show time!

The Chippendales hit the scene big time in the 80s and now, tanned, toned and buffed, a new bred of sleek Chips are on tour. They arrive in Croydon with their American Fantasy Show at Fairfield Concert Hall next Tuesday (December 14) at 8pm.

The show has been directed by Emmy nominated choreographer Brian Thomas to fulfil women's fantasies. No pressure then, I said to one of the team, 6ft 2in, brown-eyed Juan De Angelo.

"It's a great job, and yet we do work hard to please our audiences. Each culture is different and on tour in Europe we noticed that the Germans were a little bit more conservative but in other countries we get the panties and the bras thrown at us and 40 to 50 women waiting for us in the hotel lobby," he says.

It's a case of a tough job but somebody has to do it then?

Juan laughs and then reveals the dedication that he has put into his career as a Chippendale.

"As we are at the top we have to bring 100 per cent to the table. It's a challenge and we have to stay fit to have the physique and style that makes a good performance.

"Having had a dance background I thought it might be real easy, but I tell you after dance camp, in which we worked hard for five weeks, all day every day almost, learning everything from jazz and ballet to hip-hop, showering was painful my muscles were so strained.

"But it becomes a lifestyle. Health and fitness are part of my subconscious, I'm very aware of the way obesity is a problem, especially in America. The best thing for me is to stay away from fried foods and eat lean meats. It's just common sense," he says.

Joining the Chippendales caused a stir among his family. He recalls: "I come from a very religious background, born and raised a Catholic. My mother had a big problem when I wanted to be this kind of performer. She was puzzled and confused, so I flew her out to Las Vegas to see the show and she acknowledged that it was professional and tasteful."

What about relationships?

"It's difficult. At first women are very understanding and everything's fine, but about 90 days later the pressure gets too much," he says sadly.

He is proud to be part of a winning team and is delighted that the 100 per cent female audience now includes mothers and daughters, and sometimes even grandmothers, joining in the fun.

Tickets are £18.50 and a special gold tickets (the first 100 seats in the balcony and front stalls) £20.

Call the Fairfield box office on 020 8688 9291.