Stars turn out to see Chris Moyles make his Herod debut

Chris Moyles as Herod during a dress rehearsal before Friday's debut show. Credit: Ian West/PA Wire

Stars including Amanda Holden and Jennifer Saunders have turned out to see Chris Moyles make his major stage debut in a new production of Jesus Christ Superstar.

The DJ, who left his Radio 1 breakfast show last Friday, plays King Herod in the show, which opens at London's O2 Arena before going on a nationwide tour.

Moyles plays the character as a Jeremy Kyle-style TV presenter who confronts Jesus on his chatshow Hark! With Herod.

The updated version of the stage musical, co-written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, also stars comic Tim Minchin as Judas Iscariot and former Spice Girl Melanie C as Mary Magdalene.

Ben Forster is in the role of Jesus Christ after receiving the most votes in Superstar, ITV1's hunt for a performer to play the son of God.

Speaking before last night's performance, Holden, who hosted the TV talent show, said Forster had "something special" and added:

Superstar winner Ben Forster appears alongside Chris Moyles in the title role. Credit: Ian West/PA Wire

Jason Donovan and Dawn French, who were on the judging panel along with Mel C, were also among the audience for the opening night, as were Arlene Phillips and singer Tyler James.

The cast received a standing ovation at the close of the show, and the cheers grew even louder when Lloyd Webber walked on to the stage.

Jennifer Saunders and performer husband Ade Edmondson saw the performance. Credit: Ian West/PA Wire

The composer praised Forster as an "incredible" performer, and said: