Previous X Factor winner Matt Cardle is due to star in the multi award-winning West End production of Memphis the Musical.
The popular recording artist will take over from Killian Donnelly in the role of Huey Calhoun from 6 July 2015, joining the current leading lady Beverley Knight, who will continue in her role as soul sensation Felicia Farrell.
Cardle will also star alongside Tyrone Huntley as Gator, Jason Pennycooke as Bobby, Rolan Bell as Delray, Mark Roper as Mr Simmons and Claire Machin as Gladys.
Cardle was the 2010 X Factor winner and will be making his West End debut in Memphis. He said on the announcement of the news, ‘From the first time I saw the show I felt I had a real connection with the character of Huey. It's no secret that I worked for many years before my breakthrough as a musician. I started my first band when I was 12 years old and spent at least 15 years recording albums and sending demos to record companies before finally having my voice heard. It was the united love from family and friends, similar to that at the heart of the Memphis story, that saw me through.’
His new co-star Beverley Knight said ‘I can't wait to continue my Memphis journey into the autumn with Matt - who will be a fantastic addition to the family. We all know he has a 'fantastical' voice; I think many will be wonderfully surprised by his ability on stage.’
Memphis the Musical is currently playing to packed houses at the Shaftsbury Theatre and it is currently scheduled to run through to 31 October 2015.
Smash-hit British musical Billy Elliot celebrated its tenth birthday in London’s West End last week and to mark the celebration, producers of the show have announced that it is extending its run at the Victoria Palace Theatre to 17 December 2016.