Max George and Maisie Smith to star in Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds musical tour

The Wanted’s Max George and Eastenders star Maisie Smith will star in the upcoming tour of Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds musical.

The pair, who met and fell in love on the 2020 series of Strictly Come Dancing, will be playing the married couple Parson Nathaniel & wife Beth in a new arena tour of the iconic live production.

“The moment I met Max & Maisie I knew they were the perfect fit for the role of Nathaniel and Beth,” said Jeff Wayne. “Maisie has such a melodic but powerful voice, which compliments Max’s dramatic vocals wonderfully. Plus, being a couple in real life will add to their on-stage charisma and chemistry, and I’m delighted they’ve joined the 2025 The Spirit of Man Tour as husband and wife.”

Maisie Smith said: “I am thrilled to announce my involvement in the iconic show that is Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds. This is a particularly special role for me because I grew up listening to the soundtrack on my dad’s vinyl. My family are HUGE fans of the show so telling them I was going to be playing Beth was a very memorable moment.

Max George added: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be a part of Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds. It’s a show I’ve always been a fan of and was introduced to the music when I was five. My mum absolutely loves it. Playing the part of Parson Nathaniel is gonna be really special. I’ve got big shoes to fill with the likes of Phil Lynott and Jason Donovan playing the roles in the past, but I’m looking forward to making this role my own.”

Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds is back with a monumental new 17-date (19 shows) UK and Ireland arena tour, arriving just in time to celebrate 130 years since the publication of HG WELLS’ dark Victorian tale. Conducted by Jeff Wayne and featuring Liam Neeson in 3D holography as The Journalist, who recounts his story of survival from the Martian invasion of 1898.

The tour will feature an exciting new cast to star alongside Max George and Maisie Smith – further names to be announced over the coming months.