Former Spice Girl Melanie Chisholm is to become a permanent judge on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new show Superstar.
She will join the music mogul along with other judges Jason Donovan and Dawn French after wowing audiences during the first episodes of the ITV show last weekend. She was originally just signed up for the first week, but bosses were so impressed with her that they struck a last minute, five figure deal to secure her as a permanent member of the team.
The show follows in the footsteps of How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? and Any Dream Will Do! in which Lloyd Webber found a new Maria to play in the West End musical of the Sound of Music and a new Joseph for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.
This time the composer is looking for someone to play the role of Jesus Christ in his hit musical Jesus Christ Superstar. It seems as though Mel C is the perfect judge as she will soon take up the role of Mary Magdalene in the new arena production.
She is said to be “delighted” and released a statement saying: “It’s been an incredible experience so far and I just can’t wait for the nation to decide who will be playing Jesus in the amazing arena tour of the production.”
Jesus Christ Superstar is set for a major revival, with an all-star cast including comedian Tim Minchin, and radio DJ Chris Moyles who will be joined by the winner of the ITV series.
Lee Mead, who won Lloyd Webber’s talent show ‘Any Dream Will Do’ in 2007, has revealed that he originally expressed an interest in a judging role but was shot down by producers.
He said: “I put myself forward but they weren’t too keen. I just thought it would have been quite nice as I’ve been through the process myself.”
