'I am absolutely thrilled': Blue's Duncan James swapping the stage for soaps as he lands new role in Hollyoaks

By Ben Tufft For Mailonline

Published: 18:21 EST, 22 May 2016 | Updated: 18:25 EST, 22 May 2016

He's best known as a member of the hit boyband Blue, but Duncan James has been enjoying success of late as an actor and is now set to join teen soap Hollyoaks.

The singer-songwriter began his reinvention after starring in the West End productions of Chicago and Legally Blonde.

Clearly excited about his new role on the popular soap, Duncan said: 'I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the Hollyoaks team.

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Then and now: He's best known as member of the hit boyband Blue
But Duncan James has been enjoying success of late as an actor and is now set to join teen soap Hollyoaks

Then and now: He's best known asa  member of the hit boyband Blue, but Duncan James has been enjoying success of late as an actor and is now set to join teen soap Hollyoaks

'I'm looking forward to working with the fantastic on and off screen talent on the show and bringing the character of Ryan to life.' 

His character will debut on the show - set in a fictional suburb of Chester and on screens since 1995 - later this year.

A Hollyoaks spokesperson said: 'Ryan is a good guy in a committed relationship who will move into the village. 

'He is a grounded family man with principles and integrity but who will fight tooth and nail for what he believes in.'

Reunited: After a hiatus between 2005 and 2008 Duncan's band Blue has been going from strength to strength and last year brought out a popular new album, Colours (pictured at Eurovision in 2011)

Reunited: After a hiatus between 2005 and 2008 Duncan's band Blue has been going from strength to strength and last year brought out a popular new album, Colours (pictured at Eurovision in 2011)

In recent months he has been touring the UK in the lead role in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and has appeared in Grease: The School Musical on TV. 

On social media, Duncan has posted numerous pictures of him in drag starring in the hit stage musical, which has been touring this year.

After a hiatus between 2005 and 2008 Duncan's band Blue has been going from strength to strength and last year brought out a popular new album, Colours, and embarked on a UK-wide tour.

On the stage: The star has posted numerous pictures of him in drag as the lead role in the hit musical, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, which has been touring this year

On the stage: The star has posted numerous pictures of him in drag as the lead role in the hit musical, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, which has been touring this year


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