Lloyd Webber to look for Jesus on ITV in hunt for latest Superstar

Andrew Lloyd Webber has announced a new hunt to find a lead for Jesus Christ Superstar, after moving from the BBC to ITV.

The musical impresario, who has found stars for The Sound of Music, Joseph And The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Oliver! and The Wizard Of Oz at the BBC, confirmed the move after his BBC programmes were criticised for promoting commercial interests.

The winner will have a lead role in an arena tour of the rock opera, which will open at London’s O2 Arena.

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Lloyd Webber said: “Presenting a new, 2012 version of Jesus Christ Superstar for arenas is truly exciting.

“Some of the best performances of this show have been in rock venues and I’m thrilled to see the show return to its roots. ITV is providing the perfect platform for us to find a new, British superstar.

“It is the public who lead the casting process and they’ve got it absolutely right four times already.”

Auditions begin next month and take place in London, Dublin, Belfast, Manchester, Glasgow and Cardiff. The most promising will then go on to perform on stage in front of Lloyd Webber and a panel of judges.

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ITV director of entertainment and comedy Elaine Bedell said: “We are asking ITV viewers to help us find a new superstar – in every sense of the word.

“We’re looking for the kind of performer who can fill arenas and produce a rocking performance to match.”

It was reported earlier this month that Lloyd Webber was moving to ITV for the production of the rock opera as BBC bosses were not keen on the project.

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