JLS’ Aston Merrygold to join cast of Footloose musical on tour

JLS star Aston Merrygold is to join the cast of hit musical Footloose on tour.

He will takeover the role of Willard from Dancing On Ice winner and theatre star Jake Quickenden from 25 July 2022 at shows in Aberdeen, Glasgow and Wimbledon.

Aston said: “I’m delighted to be joining the phenomenal cast of Footloose. Willard is a superb role and I’m really looking forward to the challenge of stepping into such a lovable, comedy part and performing on these amazing stages.

“Footloose is just the best night out and I guarantee if you come along you’ll leave with a spring in your step and a smile on your face. I’m so looking forward to working with this team and I can’t wait to see you all there.”

Footloose UK tour tickets, dates and venues »

He joins Darren Day as Reverend Moore on the cast alongside Lucy Munden, Oonagh Cox, Anna Westlake, Alex Fobbester Ben Barrow, Ben Mabberley, Geri Allen, Holly Ashton, Jess Barker, Joshua Hawkins Samantha Richards, Tom Mussell, Daniel Miles and Lucy Ireland.

The tour is directed by Racky Plews, with choreography from Matt Cole, musical supervision by Mark Crosslandand design by Sara Perkswith lighting design from Chris Daveyand sound design from Chris Whybrow.

Based on the 1980s movie of the same name, Footloose features classic songs such as Holding Out for a Hero, Somebody’s Eyes and the titular Footloose.

It tells the story of city boy Ren who moves to a rural American town where dancing and rock music are illegal. Ren soon has the whole town on its feet in his attempt to overturn the ban.