Eurovision star Sam Ryder has announced his next surprising career move – playing Jesus Christ.
The singer came to prominence during the pandemic after posting music covers on TikTok, before being approached to represent the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2022 – where he came second.
Last night Sam 36, wrapped up his current Road to Wembley tour, with the singer now showing no signs of slowing down.
Today it was revealed he will be making his West End debut in a production of Jesus Christ Superstar at the London Palladium next year.
The musical was created by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Making its debut on Broadway in 1971, it follows the final days of the Messiah through the eyes of Judas and previously ran for over eight years in London after it premiered in 1972.
Some of its most notable songs include I Don’t Know How to Love Him, Gethsemane and Superstar.
In a press release announcing the news, Sam shared: ‘I’m so excited to be part of one of the biggest institutions in musical theatre the world’s ever known, at The London Palladium in the West End!
‘I’m honoured to take on this responsibility as I follow in the footsteps of rock vocal titans like Ian Gillan and John Farnham. I can’t wait to immerse myself in the word of Jesus Christ Superstar in 2026.’
Meanwhile producer Michael Harrison said: ‘It is thrilling to be bringing this astounding creative team from the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production back together, and I am excited to see them create Jesus Christ Superstar specially for The London Palladium.
‘In Sam we have a true superstar to play the iconic title role, and I look forward to sharing further announcements about the production in the coming months.’
Performances will begin on June 20 and run until September 5, 2026.
The production will reunite creatives from the show’s 2016 run at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, including director Tim Sheader, designer Tom Scutt, and choreographer Drew McOnie, who is now the artistic director at the outdoor venue.
Posting on Instagram, Sam also simply told his 4.2 million followers: ‘Secret’s out.’
Reacting to the news, many expressed their excitement at the casting.
‘Sam was made for this role!! Dreams do come true!’ Jenny commented on Instagram.
‘Absolutely incredible casting!!’ Sam declared.
‘He is going to be the absolute best for this role!!! What fantastic news!!! Good luck Sam!!!’ Linda shared.
‘Oh my goodness!!!! D’yu what’s crazy? At Sam’s Wembley show lastnight when he first appeared on stage with SunRise – I was thinking ‘it’s giving Jesus from JC Superstar entrance’ how crazy that this news comes on today!’ Beth added.
Meanwhile Zoe Ball also said, ‘hell yeah!’ while fellow Eurovision artist Sheldon Riley said ‘YESSSSS’.
Sam’s song Space Man soared at Eurovision, with the singer becoming the highest scoring UK entrant ever with 466 points. He won the jury vote and came in second place in the contest overall.
In the years since Sam went on to release of his debut album There’s Nothing but Space, Man!, which debuted atop of the UK Albums Chart. His second album, Heartland, was released in October.
The Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of Jesus Christ Superstar previously won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival. It then transferred to the Barbican and toured the UK and US.
The original production starred Jeff Fenholt in the title role, with others including Paul Nicholas and John Legend going on to star in the titular role for different adaptations.
Earlier this year Wicked actress Cynthia Erivo shrugged off criticism after she was announced to be playing Jesus in the the Hollywood Bowl’s staging, which was held in August.
Asked by Billboard about the backlash to a Black queer woman taking on the role, she declared: ‘Why not?’
‘You can’t please everyone. It is legitimately a three-day performance at the Hollywood Bowl where I get to sing my face off.
‘So hopefully they will come and realise, “Oh, it’s a musical, the gayest place on Earth”.’
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.