Welsh X Factor finalist Rhydian Roberts is to star in his first major musical alongside Jason Donovan and Atomic Kitten's Liz McClarnon in the forthcoming Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of The Worlds - Alive on Stage.

The award-winning multimedia show comes to the Trent FM Arena on Wednesday December 8.

Rhydian will play Parson Nathaniel, originally sung on the album by Thin Lizzy front man Phil Lynott. In previous live shows it has been played by Russell Watson.

Rhydian says: "My dream has always been to appear in a musical which tours large arenas, and I'm very excited to be joining such an incredible cast.

"I am a big fan of Jeff Wayne and I grew up listening to the classic album, so it's very special to be performing one of the main roles of Parson Nathaniel - and even more so given that I will share the stage with an 11-foot floating 3D Hologram of my fellow countryman, Richard Burton, 26 years after his death!"

McClarnon plays his wife Beth, while Donovan is The Soldier.

The live tour also features Moody Blues' frontman Justin Hayward and Manfred Mann's Chris Thompson.

The hit musical is based on HG Wells' story The War of The Worlds where the earth is invaded by Martians.

The visit to Nottingham will be the show's fourth.

For tickets go to www.thewaroftheworlds.com