Following the success of Any Dream Will Do and Over The Rainbow on the BBC, Andrew Lloyd Webber returns to screens tonight, on a new network, to find the lead in his new production of Jesus Christ Superstar.
Tonight see's the debut of Lloyd Webber's show for ITV, following the auditions which took place in London, Dublin, Belfast and Manchester last spring. The prize on offer is a unique opportunity to play the title role in new arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar across the UK and Ireland.
21-year-old Jeff Anderson from Newtonards, Co. Down, is one of the hopefuls for the show and his audition will be broadcast tonight. The singer, and frontman of rock band Wanted Alive, has played the iconic role before in productions across Northern Ireland.
Jeff Anderson from Newtonards, Co. Down, is one of the hopefuls for the show
The show has had a number of men from other talent shows audition for the series, in a bid to revive their career once more. Jonathan Ansell and his band G4 found monumental success after missing out on winning the X Factor in 2004, but they split in 2007. Ansell's audition, where he sings Queen's Somebody To Love will be aired tonight.
Nathan James, who was seen on our screens just a few months ago auditioning for The Voice UK has tried his luck on Superstar, while Popstars: The Rivals contestant Nikk Mager has also auditioned. Mager auditioned for the X Factor in 2008 in front of his friend and fellow Popstars contestant Cheryl Cole.
Judges Jason Donovan, Melanie Chisholm, and David Grindrod
Tim Minchin, Melanie Chisholm and Chris Moyles have all signed on for lead roles during the arena tour. Chisholm was on hand during the audition process, alongside Jason Donovan and David Grindrod.
Amanda Holden presents Llyod Webber's new talent search
For the live shows, Donovan will join Dawn French and head judge Lloyd Webber to guide the contestants through the process, though the voting public will ultimately decide their winner. Amanda Holden will present the show, having shot the audition stages already and will host the live shows.
"It is the public who lead the casting process and they've got it absolutely right four times already. It's been wonderful to see the careers of so many of the contestants blossom, so it will be especially fascinating to see who the public chooses as their Superstar!" said Andrew Lloyd Webber.
