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Lloyd Webber to search for 'Superstar' on ITV

Andrew Lloyd Webber is to launch a new search for a musical star - after defecting to ITV.

The West End legend has quit the Beeb after four series of talent shows, to find a lead actor for his hit show Jesus Christ Superstar. Webber will lead a panel of Judges - which could include former BBC judges Denise Van Outen, John Barrowman and Charlotte Church - in "Superstar" which will be broadcast on ITV1 this Summer.

Auditions for the series will begin next month and wannabes will be whittled down to a final X Factor-style bootcamp before going through to live finals via Judges' houses style shows.

This time around, the production won't be fixed in London's West End, with the show instead touring UK arenas beginning with London's O2.

Lloyd Webber said: "Presenting a 2012 version of Jesus Christ Superstar for arenas is truly exciting.

"Some of the best performances of this show have been in rock venues and I'm thrilled to see the show return to its roots."

A film version of Jesus Christ Superstar was made in the 70's.