X Factor winner Matt Cardle takes over from Killian Donnelly in Memphis

Former X Factor winner Matt Cardle will play Huey Calhoun in the award-winning Memphis the Musical from 6 July, it has been confirmed.

Cardle, who takes over from Killian Donnelly, who is leaving to join Kinky Boots, will star alongside Beverley Knight, who continues in the role of Felicia Farrell until October.

"I'm thrilled to be making my acting and West End debut in Memphis," said Cardle, who won the seventh series of X Factor in 2010. "From the first time I saw the show I felt I had a real connection with the character of Huey. It's no secret that I worked for many years before my breakthrough as a musician.

"I started my first band when I was 12 years old and spent at least 15 years recording albums and sending demos to record companies before finally having my voice heard. It was the united love from family and friends, similar to that at the heart of the Memphis story, that saw me through."

Beverley Knight added: "I can't wait to continue my Memphis journey into the autumn with Matt – who will be a fantastic addition to our Memphis family. We all know he has a 'fantastical' voice; I think many will be wonderfully surprised by his ability on stage."

Booking for Memphis at the Shaftesbury Theatre continues to the end of its scheduled run in the West End on 31 October 2015.

The West End production also continues to star will continue to star Rolan Bell as Delray, Tyrone Huntley as Gator, Claire Machin as Gladys, Jason Pennycooke as Bobby and Mark Roper as Mr Simmons.

According to press material there are "early plans in progress" for a major tour of the UK and Ireland from Autumn 2016.