Chris Moyles to star in LLoyd Webber production

Cast members of the UK arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar Credit: PA

Radio 1's Chris Moyles is going from saviour to villain - by playing King Herod in stage musical Jesus Christ Superstar.

The unlikely casting will see the breakfast show DJ making his major debut in the Andrew Lloyd Webber production which will tour arenas later this year.

Also in the cast will be former Spice Girl Mel C and Olivier Award-winning comic and musician Tim Minchin.

Lord Lloyd-Webber is searching for a star to play Jesus through his forthcoming ITV1 talent hunt Superstar.

Moyles - the self-styled saviour of Radio 1 - said: "To receive a phonecall from Andrew is very cool, but then when he asks you to be in his musical that's pretty amazing and there is only one thing to respond with - and that is yes. Absolutely. My mum's gonna be well excited."

Moyles has previously put his singing abilities to the test as a contestant on ITV's X Factor: Battle Of The Stars. And he released his own album of cover versions in 2009 which made the top 20.

He is understood to be aiming to fit his stage commitments around his breakfast show duties, although he might have to miss some mornings where the distances are too great.