Daniel Boys and Lauren Samuels star in Octagon's Love Story

Successful former TV talent show stars Daniel Boys and Lauren Samuels have been cast in Love Story by Erich Segal at the Octagon Theatre from 19 June to 12 July.

The musical is inspired by Erich Segal’s best-selling novel and subsequent 1970’s smash-hit film, which is widely regarded as one of the most romantic and moving films of all time.

Two worlds collide when spirited Italian-American Jennifer Cavilleri and wealthy, privileged Harvard Alumni Oliver Barrett IV fall in love. The pair, whose backgrounds could not be more different, are united by love. It is a love that endures in the face of adversity, through family opposition to their marriage and devastating personal tragedy.

Taking on the role of Oliver Barrett IV will be Daniel Boys, currently playing Sir Lancelot in the Monty Python musical comedy Spamalot at the Playhouse Theatre alongside Jodie Prenger and Joe Pasquale. Boys appeared on the successful Andrew Lloyd-Webber talent show Any Dream Will Do (BBC) in 2007.

Since then he has starred on TV, in West End musicals such as Avenue Q, national tours and released a solo album. He has shared stages with the likes of John Barrowman, Olivia Newton John and Chita Rivera.

Joining Boys on the Octagon stage in the role of Jennifer Cavilleri will be Lauren Samuels. Samuels was a finalist in the Andrew Lloyd-Webber BBC series Over the Rainbow, and made her West End debut as Sandy in Grease at the Piccadilly Theatre. She then went on to perform in the hit musical We Will Rock You at the Dominion Theatre, as well as on its 10th Anniversary World Arena Tour. Lauren is currently performing in Water Babies, a new musical based on the novel by Charles Kingsley, at Leicester Curve.

Elizabeth Newman directs Love Story with book and lyrics by Stephen Clark and music and additional lyrics by Howard Goodall.