X Factor's Amelia Lily replaces Marcus Collins as the Narrator in Joseph Tour

It has been announced that X Factor's Amelia Lily will make her musical theatre debut as the Narrator in the 2015 UK tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat  from 17th February 2015.

Lily replaces X Factor's Marcus Collins who withdrew from the show last week. She joins X Factor's Lloyd Daniels who plays Joseph alongside former EastEnders actor Matt Lapinskas as Pharoah.

Lily reached The X Factor finals in 2011. She released the hit single 'You Bring Me Joy' and supported Girls Aloud on tour. She made a brief appearance in Shrek The Musical for Children in Need.

Marcus Collins pulls out of Joseph Tour

Marcus Collins has pulled out of the 2015 UK Tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

The former X Factor finalist was due to star as the Narrator from 3rd February. The production will continue to star Lloyd Daniels as Joseph and Matthew Lapinskas as Pharaoh.

A statement from Bill Kenwright's team reads: "We have been advised by his agent that Marcus Collins has withdrawn from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Marcus was contracted to appear from 3rd February up to 6th June 2015, but he did not show up for rehearsals and then subsequently withdrew altogether. Without ever performing. No reason has been given by Marcus or his management. As this is an ongoing matter, no further comment is available at this time."

When questioned about performing ten shows a week during a recent interview with West End Frame, Collins said: "We’re going to have to have a little look at that and see how we can make it the best for everyone. It’s a very gruelling schedule and a very full on show. I’ve got a lot to do and it’s a very big sing, it’s going to be an interesting one but we’ll deal with that when we come to it."

Interview: Marcus Collins

Marcus Collins is currently preparing to star as the Narrator in Bill Kenwright’s touring production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. He joins a cast including X Factor’s Lloyd Daniels as Joseph and former EastEnders actor Matthew Lapinskas as Pharaoh.

Mentored by Gary Barlow, Marcus finished second place in the 2011 series of The X Factor which was won by Little Mix. He went on to release his self-titled debut album and top ten hit ‘Seven Nation Army’. 

Marcus recently starred as Seaweed Stubbs in the UK Tour of Hairspray and appeared in the world tour of The West End Men, whilst continuing to work on his own music and make extensive concert appearances. 

I recently spoke to Marcus about what attracted him to his latest stage role, his obsession with Wicked and his dream of starring in Kinky Boots… 

So I believe this isn’t the first time you’ve starred in a production of Joseph – didn’t you play Pharaoh when you were at school?

[laughs] Yes! I played the Pharaoh, it was my first role actually in any musical! I couldn’t help myself, it just seemed like a great role, a great show and something I felt I could show off and have a bit of fun with. I started at fourteen!

Marcus Collins stars as the Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

It has been announced that Marcus Collins will join the touring cast of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat from 4th February 2015 as the Narrator. 

Collins takes over from Danielle Hope who has left Joseph to star as Maria in next year's The Sound of Music UK Tour. He joins Lloyd Daniels as Joseph and Matthew Lapinskas as Pharaoh.

X Factor's Marcus Collins joins Hairspray 2013 UK Tour as Seaweed

X Factor's Marcus Collins has joined the cast of the 2013 UK tour of Hairspray. He joins previously announced Mark Benton and Lucy Benjamin. The tour kicks off at Manchester’s Lowry Theatre in February 2013.

Collins, who was runner-up in the 2011 series, said: "I can’t express how thrilled I am to be joining the tour of Hairspray. It’s been a pretty amazing year for me and now to be cast in my dream role feels like a great new part of the adventure. Having trained in musical theatre since my early teens I’m just itching to get into rehearsals now and so excited to be working with Mark, Lucy and the rest of the company. Roll on February."