Andrew Lloyd Webber said the hunt for a new lead in Jesus Christ Superstar would take the show back to its 'roots', after moving from the BBC to ITV.

The musical impresario, who has found stars for The Sound Of Music, Joseph And The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Oliver! and The Wizard Of Oz at the BBC, confirmed the move. It comes after his BBC programmes were criticised for serving Lord Lloyd Webber's own commercial interests.