BILLY Elliot actor Layton Williams and EastEnders star Shane Ritchie will star in the smash-hit musical Everybody's Talking About Jamie in Southampton next year.

The critically acclaimed West End show is coming to Mayflower Theatre from 12 - 16 May 2020 as part of its first UK tour.

Layton leads the cast as Jamie New and Shane plays Hugo / Loco Chanelle.Both will be reprising their roles from the West End production.

Layton Williams said:“I’ve loved my time in the West End but am beyond excited to be playing Jamie on tour! This will be my 6th tour and I can’t wait to come back to some of my favourite venues with this beautiful show. I hope you’ll welcome me back with open arms as we share this beautiful story and spread love across the U.K! See you’s soon...”

Shane Richie said: “I had such a fantastic time playing Hugo/Loco Chanelle in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie in the West End, so when I was offered the chance to be involved in the touring production I jumped at the opportunity to get back into those heels! I believe this show has such an important message for younger and older generations I’m excited to be taking it to a larger audience around the UK.”

Producer Nica Burns said: “Since Everybody’s Talking About Jamie opened in early 2017 at the Sheffield Crucible, written by a virgin British musical theatre writing team and performed by a large cast of mostly new faces, all our dreams for the show have come true. We are a hit! In November we will be starting our third year in the West End! The movie is currently shooting in Sheffield! We have won awards! Now we are going to be playing 20 cities nationwide led by two of our brilliant West End stars..."

On screen Layton Williams is known for playing the character Kylie in the BBC’s Beautiful People, and for playing the lead alongside Jack Whitehall in the critically acclaimed BBC comedy Bad Education and follow up film.

Layton began his career as one of the boys who played the title role in the West End production of Billy Elliot the Musical. He then went on to star as the original Young Michael Jackson in Thriller.

Shane Richie has had a hugely successful career in theatre, film and television spanning four decades. He is best known for his role as Alfie Moon in the BBC’s EastEnders.

Tickets for Everybody’s Talking About Jamie are on sale from Mayflower Theatre Box Office tel: 02380 711811 or online at mayflower.org.uk.