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Andrew Lloyd Webber wants Liam Payne to star in return of musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

ANDREW Lloyd Webber’s smash musical Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is returning to London’s West End — and he wants One Direction star Liam Payne for the starring role.

The composer, 69, has put the pop star at the top of his hit list for the show’s 50th anniversary when it relaunches this Christmas.

Liam - pictured with Cheryl Cole - is at the top of the list for the show’s 50th anniversary
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Liam - pictured with Cheryl Cole - is at the top of the list for the show’s 50th anniversaryCredit: Getty Images

It would be the first time the show has been shown on the West End since 2009 when Lee Mead, 35, won BBC1 show Any Dream Will Do and played the lead role for two years.

A source said: “Andrew has told those involved that his dream signing is Liam. He thinks he can bring so much to the role of Joseph, he’s a natural performer.

“There was talk of other popstars being approached but he wants to keep the bar high and they don’t come much bigger than 1D.”

Andrew Lloyd Webber is bringing back the show to the West End for the first time since 2009
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Andrew Lloyd Webber is bringing back the show to the West End for the first time since 2009Credit: Getty Images
The former X Factor star, 23, is imminently expecting his first child with fellow singer Cheryl
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The former X Factor star, 23, is imminently expecting his first child with fellow singer CherylCredit: Splash News
Liam will snub the role if formally approached - with theatre work not in his current plans
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Liam will snub the role if formally approached - with theatre work not in his current plansCredit: Getty Images - WireImage

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The musical, based on the “coat of many colors” story of Joseph from the Bible’s Book of Genesis, was first performed as a 15 minute show at Colet Court School in London in 1968 - making next year its 50th anniversary.

Previous Josephs include former Neighbours actor Jason Donovan, 48, and This Morning host Phillip Schofield, 54.

Previous Josephs include former Neighbours actor Jason Donovan
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Previous Josephs include former Neighbours actor Jason DonovanCredit: London Features International
And This Morning host Phillip Schofield
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And This Morning host Phillip SchofieldCredit: Dave Hogan
It would be the first time the show has been shown on the West End since 2009, when Lee Mead took the lead role for two years
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It would be the first time the show has been shown on the West End since 2009, when Lee Mead took the lead role for two yearsCredit: PA:Press Association

But The Sun understands that the former X Factor star, 23, who is imminently expecting his first child with fellow singer Cheryl, 31, will snub the role if formally approached - with theatre work not in his current plans.

A source close to the singer said: “Liam won't do this, he is focusing on his debut solo album and this is the opposite of something he would do."

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