Dawn French and Jason Donovan search for the new Jesus Christ Superstar
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Dawn French and Jason Donovan have been signed up as judges for Andrew Lloyd Webber's search for the lead in his musical Jesus Christ Superstar.
And Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden is confirmed as host of the live heats of the ITV1 programme, which launches this summer.
The series, called Superstar, will fill the role of Jesus for an arena tour of the hit musical which also stars ex-Spice Girl Mel C, Tim Minchin and Radio 1's Chris Moyles.
Guest performers who are booked for each show will also join the judges to give their opinions about the wannabes.
Vicar of Dibley star French joked about how she was relishing the prospect of joining the panel led by the composer, who has the formal title of Lord Lloyd-Webber. She said: "I'm gagging to find Jesus with the help of the Good Lord.
"I have actually been searching for him my whole life, and I can't believe that inside a few weeks we are going to find him.
"The fact that he is going to be a Rock God is a massive bonus."
Donovan has already been a judge in the early stages of the search and will now continue for the televised heats.
He said: "We have unearthed some cracking talent so far and I'm really pleased I've had time to get to know the finalists as we've moved through the competition stages.
"It's an honour to sit by Andrew on the judging panel and I can't wait for the live shows to start."
Holden said: "It's an absolute honour to be working with Andrew on Superstar. We've discovered some wonderful talent for the viewers, I already feel very protective of them, I'm like Mother Hen with all my boys."
The winner will take the lead role in a national tour, opening at London's O2 arena on 21 September.
Moyles is to play Herod, Mel C is Mary Magdalene, while Minchin takes the role of Judas Iscariot.
Lloyd Webber said: "I am thrilled with the finalists I have chosen to put through to the live shows, they could not be a more varied bunch."
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments