A finalisT of a television talent show has been signed up as a replacement star in a musical production.

Tom Bradley, finalist in ITV's Grease Is The Word, is replacing Stephen Gately in Godspell.

Producers of the musical have told Darlington Civic Theatre that Gately, a former member of Boyzone, has pulled out because of contractual reasons.

Bradley, 20, studied at The Sylvia Young Theatre School, in London, and played the scarecrow in a production of Wizard of Oz. Bradley was at Egglescliffe School, in Egglescliffe, on Friday.

He attended a drama class with students.

Godspell can be seen at Darlington Civic Theatre from Monday, October 15, to Saturday, October 20.

Performances start at 7.30pm, with a matinee on Thursday at 1.30pm and Saturday at 2.30pm.

Tickets, which cost between £12 and £24, are available by calling 01325-486555.