Theatre News

Matt Willis Starring in Theatre Royal’s Footloose

Matt Willis, star of the hit boy-band Busted and winner of I’m A Celebrity is appearing as Chuck in the hit West End Musical Footloose, which opened its all-new tour at Theatre Royal Newcastle last week.

This will be the first ever national theatre tour for Willis, who initially shot to fame in 2000 as one third of British pop rock band Busted, and the fifth major UK tour of the acclaimed dance musical, which is based on the iconic 1984 movie.

During their 5 year career, Busted sold over three million albums worldwide, won record of the year in 2004 and two coveted BRIT Awards in 2003 for Best British Breakthrough Act and Best British Pop Act. The band also enjoyed several sell out tours taking in a total of over 50 UK Arenas and selling out Wembley a huge eleven times.

In 2005 Matt embarked on a solo career releasing the singles “Up All Night”, “Hey Kid”, a cover version of the Primitives song Crash for the film Mr. Bean’s Holiday and “Don’t Let It Go to Waste” the title track of the album of the same name.

Matt’s warmth and likeability shone through in force crowning him King of the Jungle in ITV1’s I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here in 2006. He has since turned his hand to presenting by co-hosting ITV2’s I’m a Celebrity…Get me out of Here Now alongside wife Emma in both 2007 and 2008. He co-hosted ITV2’s coverage of the BRIT awards in both 2007 with Lauren Laverne and Russell Howard and again in 2008 joined this time by wife Emma.

Footloose is at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal until Saturday 29 January. To find out more or to book tickets click here.