My point is that it seems odd that Bill Kenwright would cast someone voted out fifth over three other Josephs that the public clearly preferred. That doesn't seem to make any business sense, so I can only presume that the others were unavailable...

Bill made no secret of the fact that he really liked Craig, so it's hardly a surprise to see Craig getting this role. I doubt it would make a huge difference to ticket sales who's in the role unless it's a really big name, so I don't see it could be a bad decision unless Craig completely messes up... which I'm sure he won't. I'd be very surprised if Keith, Lewis or Ben were asked first.

I agree Phil.

Bill really championed Craig during the series and I think this is his way of proving that Craig deserves a break. Which he does.

You can't do anything other than admire Craig for the dedication and interest he showed in his willingness to listen to experts and be taught the right way to do things.

I believe that he'll gain great reviews around the country and I truly hope that this is just the beginning for him. He deserves every bit of success he gets.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/s...570525&page=16

Feeltheforce - please read post 381 posted the day after he left

the job was always Craigs

He can't act. I'm sorry to his fans - but that's a really big problem. Craig did indeed have a "journey" on the show - getting up to the level of many of the other finalists. His rendition of "This is the Moment" - although passable - was WAY off the standard of just about any male performer - in a leading role or ensemble - in the West End. The whole thing leaves me baffled - unless, as I say, the others had better offers.

You're basing your opinion on what you saw during the series. I think you are wrong personally.

As I already mentioned, he is keen to learn and he takes on board expert advice. He certainly was one of the most convincing performers on the 'Les Mis' barricade challenge.

I've no doubt at all that Craig has continued to rise to this new challenge over the intervening weeks since he left the competition.

Bill Kenwright is a very respected and successful producer. I don't think he would take chances even at this stage of hs career. He is giving Craig a well deserved break but as a business man he wouldn't have given him the part if he didn't think he had the stuff to carry it off.

Ben and Lewis are engaged in or pursuing other roles but as far as I am aware Keith is still awaiting the offer of a stage role. I think it was always clear that BK saw great things for Craig and it was suggested way back that he would probably scoop him up for the travelling show.
I personally am glad to see Chris Barton involved in the production and covering the role. He showed great promise early on but suffered a confidence bash and too many boppy pop songs.

I know this is Craig's News thread (and I love him...) but isn't it great to hear such good news about the other J's as well.

Slightly OT, I know, but us Keith fans are thrilled to bits to know that he has secured a £1million recording deal and is being managed by Louis Walsh, so he's pretty busy right now !!!

As for me, I'm so looking forward to next month when I get to see Craig (and Chris) in BK's production.

Well, good for Craig and the other Josephs. The last 6 all seem to have things in the pipelines and that's as it should be. Many happy fans on here!

Well if none of Keith Ben or Lewis's fans are upset about it ,i doubt the Josephs are.

Lewis has gone back to finish his studies and has a possible offer of Raif in the Sound of Music

Keith has a million pound recording deal with Louis Walsh

and Ben is doing the lead part of a tour in Dirty Dancing and possibly other stuff


Personally I think all of them are doing stuff that plays on their strengths