The Stage

Gates to star as Lloyd Webber’s new Joseph

Published Wednesday 26 November 2008 at 13:20 by Lalayn Baluch

Gareth Gates is to take the title role of Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

He will join the production at the West End’s Adelphi Theatre on February 9, and take over from current Joseph star Lee Mead - who landed the role after winning BBC reality TV show Any Dream Will Do.

“Joseph is something I have wanted to do since I was a kid - the first time I was on stage [at school] I was Joseph, so for me to be here now on the West End stage as Joseph is the most amazing feeling in the world.

“I’ve just met Lee and he is the most amazing guy and his voice is great as well, so it will be really good to live up to that,” he said.

Gates first shot to fame after being named runner-up in the first ever series of ITV show Pop Idol in 2002. He has since had four number one singles and sold 3.5 million records. More recently, Gates took part in Dancing on Ice, and performed in A Spoonful of Stiles and Drewe - a charity gala celebrating the 25-year partnership between George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. This Christmas he will appear as Prince Charming in Cinderella at the New Wimbledon Theatre opposite Joanna Page and Alistair McGowan.