Mel C to join the search for Jesus

Mel C has become a last minute addition to the judging panel for Superstar.

The former Spice Girl, who is already a mentor on the ITV1 show to find the star for a new arena tour of the musical Jesus Christ Superstar, and who is set to star as Mary Magdalene alongside the winner, will now join Dawn French, Jason Donovan and Andrew Lloyd Webber as a judge on the live shows.

Mel reportedly proved such a hit with fans as a mentor in the first week of shows that Lloyd Webber persuaded her to sign up and The Sun reports producers struck a last minute five-figure deal to get her on board.

Mel said: "I am absolutely delighted. It's been an incredible experience so far and I just can't wait for the nation to decide who will be playing Jesus in the amazing arena tour of the production."

The singer recently told the Press Association she wants Jesus to have "a very powerful voice and a great acting ability" as well as "real charisma".

She added: "I'm quite happy that it's in the hands of the public to decide, because it's really difficult.

"Of course I do have my favourites... But to be honest with you, of the final 10 - they're all fabulous."