Matt Cardle will replace Will Young in the Strictly Ballroom musical on the West End

6 July 2018, 12:07 | Updated: 6 July 2018, 12:16

The former X Factor winner is returning to stage musicals...

Matt Cardle has joined the cast of Strictly Ballroom, and will take over from Will Young in the role of band leader Wally Strand from July 31.

The rest of the current cast will remain, including Zizi Strallen and Jonny Labey.

Cardle won plaudits for his West End debut as the lead in the Memphis musical alongside Beverley Knight.

Strictly Ballroom tells the story of arrogant ballroom champion Scott Hastings (Labey), whose creativity soon gets him in trouble, and ends up having to dance with beginner Fran (Strallen).

Cardle said: “It’s so rare that a role comes around that you can put so much of your own stamp on. I have seen the show and it’s absolutely incredible.

"[Creator] Baz Luhrmann is an utter genius, as is [director] Drew McOnie. To have the opportunity to sing all these huge songs every night is a real honour.”

Strictly Ballroom is booking at London's Piccadilly Theatre until October 20.

Matt Cardle recently released his album Time to Be Alive, including the single 'Desire'.