Andrew Lloyd Webber to lead Superstar search

Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber will head up a new talent search show, 'Superstar', for ITV, with the eventual winner cast in the leading role of Jesus in an upcoming arena tour of rock opera 'Jesus Christ S

Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber will head up a new talent search show for ITV.

The musicals supremo - who quit the BBC earlier this month after four series with the broadcaster - will scour the UK for an actor to play the role of Jesus in an upcoming arena tour of rock opera 'Jesus Christ Superstar'.

ITV1's 'Superstar' will see the iconic composer - who co-wrote the musical alongside Tim Rice - work alongside a panel of industry experts to find new talent, while the public will ultimately decide who takes on the starring role.

He said: "Presenting a new 2012 version of 'Jesus Christ Superstar' for arenas is truly exciting. Some of the best performances of this show have been in rock venues and I'm thrilled to see the show return to its roots. ITV is providing the perfect platform for us to find a new British 'Superstar'."

Lord Lloyd Webber has previously found stars for West End productions of 'The Sound of Music', 'Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat', 'Oliver!' and 'The Wizard Of Oz' through his BBC shows, and he is looking forward to returning to the TV talent search format.

He explained: "It is the public who lead the casting process and they've got it absolutely right four times already.

"It's been wonderful to see the careers of so many of the contestants blossom, so it will be especially fascinating to see who the public chooses as their 'Superstar'."

Auditions will take place in February and March and 'Jesus Christ Superstar' will kick off its tour at London's O2 Arena.