Dawn French has recently lost 7st in weight

Dawn French has landed a role as judge of Andrew Lloyd Webber's new TV talent programme.

The comedienne joins singer Jason Donovan, 43, in the search for a man to play the title role in West End musical Jesus Christ Superstar.

'I'm gagging to find Jesus with the help of the Good Lord,' jokes Dawn, 54.

'I have been searching for him my whole life, and I can't believe that in a few weeks we are going to find him.'

Meanwhile Amanda Holden - a judge on Britain's Got Talent - has been confirmed as the host of the new show.

'It's an absolute honour to be working with Andrew on Superstar,' says Amanda, 41.

'We've discovered some wonderful talent for the viewers, I already feel very protective of them, I'm like Mother Hen with all my boys.' 

The winner will join Chris Moyles, Mel C and Tim Minchin in the show's UK tour, which kicks off on 21 September.

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Esme Riley