The hunt for a new lead in Jesus Christ Superstar will be coming to Belfast in February, as the show moves back to its "roots", from the BBC to ITV.

Musical impresario Andrew Lloyd Webber, 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 today.

It comes after his BBC programmes were criticised for serving Lord Lloyd-Webber's own 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.

Auditions begin next month and take place in London, Dublin, Belfast, Manchester, Glasgow and Cardiff.