Rhydian joins Jason Donovan in War of the Worlds

Rhydian Roberts is to star in a musical adaptation of War Of The Worlds.

The former X Factor finalist will join Jason Donovan and former Atomic Kitten Liz McClarnon in the show, composed and produced by Jeff Wayne.

The Welsh star, 27, has signed up to play Parson Nathaniel, who loses his faith in the face of apocalyptic Martian destruction, in The War Of The Worlds - Alive On Stage!

Rhydian said: "My dream has always been to appear in a musical which tours large arenas and I'm very excited to be joining such an incredible cast for The War Of The Worlds 2010 tour."

The singer, who appeared in the X Factor in 2007, said he is exciting about the prospect of sharing the stage with 'an 11-foot floating 3D hologram of my fellow countryman Richard Burton, 26 years after his death'.

Wayne said: "Rhydian is an incredibly talented singer whose range and depth of voice will suit this role perfectly. I am delighted to welcome him into this year's production."

The musical, set in Victorian England and based on the HG Wells story, will tour UK arenas in November and December.