Shayne Ward, who shot to fame as the winner of The X-Factor in 2005, is to swap pop for rock in new West End musical Rock Of Ages.
The That’s My Goal singer will make his West End debut playing the role of disillusioned rock bad boy Stacee Jaxx when Rock Of Ages opens at the Shaftesbury theatre in September.
Since winning the Simon Cowell-fronted talent show, Ward has released three albums – Shayne Ward, Breathless and Obsession – selling more than three million records worldwide.
Commenting on his casting, Ward said: “I cannot wait to take to the stage for Rock Of Ages. It’s an absolute thrill to have been chosen for this part and can’t wait to show a new side to my voice.”
Ward is the second Rock Of Ages cast member to be announced, following presenter and comedian Justin Lee Collins.
Big-haired, air guitar-playing musical Rock Of Ages, already a hit on the far side of the Atlantic, tells the story of a small town girl and a big city rocker falling in love to a soundtrack of 80s soft rock classics.
Fans eager to get a Rock Of Ages fix before the show starts its London run, should head to West End LIVE on 18 and 19 June, as the show’s US cast will be flying in especially to performer at the free festival of entertainment.
MA