CALLUM QUITS LET IT SHINE FOR ROLE IN THE WEST END
HE was in the running to make it through to the last stages of Let It Shine – but Welsh schoolboy Callum Howells has pulled out, after landing a West End role.
Viewers last night saw the teenager, who was down to the final 40, turn his back on his chances to be in Gary Barlow’s musical theatre boy band, after being offered a role in a high-profile production.
And Nicky Price from Neath – who was the first contestant on the new BBC primetime entertainment show to score a perfect 20 from the judges – failed to make it through to the next round.
Callum, who is from Rhondda and was once a member of Only Boys Aloud, previously impressed the judges, with Barlow telling him: “You have a great technique, great pitch and good ears.” And he had American judge Amber Riley in stitches when he tried to explain exactly where Wales was. “It’s a country next to England,” he had told the Glee and Dreamgirls star. Last night the 40 remaining boys were split into five groups of eight and each had to perform song and dance routines alongside a famous band or musician. While Callum was due to perform with Kaiser Chiefs, the 17-year-old quit duringing rehearsals after landingng a role in She Loves Youu at London’s Meinir Chococolate Factory, which ich runs until March 4.
It seems his decision sion has paid off, as he’s been winning rave reviewss playing Arpad Lazsio in the musical revival written by the authors of Fiddler On The Roof.
Dominic Cavendish, sh, writing in The Telegraph, said: “Young Welsh actor Callum Howells ls is a grinning delight as the bright-eyedht-eyed errand boy angling for promotion...”motion...”
Meanwhile, Nicky,ky, who performed in the group of eight alongside Mel C, just missed out on a place in the final 25 of Let It Shine.
“He’s lovely, isn’t he?” said new judge Lulu, who’s replacing Riley in the later rounds.
Dannii Minogue was impressed with his dancing, saying: “He’s never danced but honestly you wouldn’t know it.”