Superstar hopefuls in lap of luxury

The 10 finalists in Andrew Lloyd Webber's latest talent search are already getting a slice of the superstar lifestyle in a luxury mansion.

The performers, who will battle it out in the coming weeks for the chance to take the title role in a new production of Jesus Christ Superstar, have spent two months shacked up together in a house on the outskirts of London.

Nathan James, 23, said the house, which includes a sauna and a cinema room, was "pretty pimped".

The Reading-based singer, who usually performs in holiday camps and on cruise ships, said: "We are living the life of luxury at the minute which is incredible. Our house is out of this world, you feel like a star."

But it's not all harmony in the house with one of the contenders, 24-year-old Dirk Johnston, admitting some of his singing has got on people's nerves.

He said: "I sing a lot, that was one of the things that came up, that people asked if I could stop because I just forget and sing all the time."

The finalists, who have to keep to a curfew of 11pm, have spent the last months learning songs and dance routines for the ITV1 show.

Musical maestro Lord Lloyd-Webber has already signed up DJ Chris Moyles to play King Herod alongside former Spice Girl Mel C as Mary Magdalene and Tim Minchin as Judas.

Dawn French and Jason Donovan have signed up as judges to help in the search for a new star and Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden will host the live heats.

The winner will take the lead role in a national tour, opening at London's O2 arena on September 21.