Superstar victor Ben Forster gives sneak preview of Jesus Christ Superstar role

Tim Minchin (left), who plays Judas Iscariot, and Ben Forster, who plays Jesus, during rehearsals at a secret location in London for Andrew Lloyd Webber's new production of Jesus Christ Superstar (PA)

TV's Superstar victor looks to be having a riot as he is seen in his winning role for the first time - facing baton-wielding police.

Ben Forster, who landed the main role in Jesus Christ Superstar, is pictured with co-star Tim Minchin in the updated version of the stage musical, which will go on a 21-date tour next month.

The pair are confronted with riot police in the opening sequence of the show, which will also feature outgoing Radio 1 breakfast host Chris Moyles.

Comic Minchin, who won acclaim for his musical adaptation of Roald Dahl's Matilda, will play Judas Iscariot in the production co-written by Andrew Lloyd Webber, who led the hunt for a star on ITV1

Lloyd Webber said of the show, directed by Laurence Connor: "Even the hardened rockers in our cast were taken aback by how cutting edge Laurence's vision for the show is. This is the first ever arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar in the UK and he is creating something quite extraordinary.

"Like the Olympics, we're not giving anything away but I promise that you won't have seen a production of any of my shows quite like this."

Tickets are on sale through www.jesuschristsuperstar.com, with six extra dates added since tickets went on sale.

There are further details on the website and the tour begins on September 21 at London's O2 Arena.

PA