Ray Quinn, former X-Factor finalist and current star of Dancing On Ice, will showcase his singing and dancing talent in the West End when he takes Grease’s iconic lead role, Danny Zuko, in May.
The pint-sized pop star, who previously played Doody in the production at the Piccadilly theatre, dons the leather jacket currently worn by Danny Bayne from 11 May to 3 October, following the live UK tour of Dancing On Ice.
Speaking about his casting, an excited Quinn said: “I’m so thrilled to be playing Danny in the West End. Grease is such an all time favourite and to be in the role made so famous by John Travolta is amazing. I can’t believe my luck, it’s a dream come true!”
A child actor on Channel 4’s long-running Liverpool-set soap Brookside, Quinn shot to fame in 2006 when he came second to Leona Lewis in reality TV pop show The X Factor. His first album Doing It My Way, released the following year, went to number one. After a sell-out tour in 2007, last year saw him join the Grease cast for the first time, an experience he enjoyed so much that he is going back for more, but not before competing in the final of ITV’s celebrity skating competition Dancing On Ice, which takes place on Sunday.
David Ian, Grease’s producer, commented: “I am absolutely delighted to have a performer of Ray’s stature in Grease. He has proven what an incredible talent he is on Dancing On Ice and I know he will truly thrill audiences as Danny Zuko.”
Hit musical Grease, made famous the world over by the John Travolta/Olivia Newton John film, returned to the West End stage in 2007 following a televised search for new performers to play high school sweethearts Danny and Sandy. The tale of love and friendship in an American school features songs such as Grease Is The Word, You’re The One That I Want, Summer Nights and Greased Lightnin’ that have had audiences tapping their feet and hand jiving along for decades.
Since reopening in London, Grease has raised £526,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support, donating £1 from every ticket sold in the first year and staging a charity gala performance in aid of the charity.
MA