Keith leads the Passion

Keith leads the Passion Manchester Passion is going to be one of the events of the year and the final line-up of stars in the show has been announced, with actor Keith Allen playing host to the live event, to be broadcast at Easter on BBC Three.

from left: Allen, Morfitt, Booth and Bailey

Allen, who’s biggest musical successes have come as a member of Fat Les and as co-writer of New Order’s World In Motion, will be the host of the production, which sees 55 Degrees North star Darren Morfitt take the role of Jesus.

Darren Morfitt plays Jesus

Morfitt is understandably excited about the role, saying that he never thought he would “play Jesus. It's an interesting journey to interpret the role. It's not a case of having long flowing locks and a white gown, it's not a case of looking 'holy'. It's more about finding a truthful way of expressing thought processes and emotion. And the fact that it's live and at street level is pretty full on - anything could happen!"

Supporting Morfitt will be ex-James frontman and Batman Begins star Tim Booth, who plays Judas, and Nicholas Bailey, who played Dr Trueman in Eastenders, as St Peter.

Tim Booth plays Judas

There had been rumours of many Mancunian musicians being involved, but most have turned out to be unfounded. However, there will be a cameo performance by Bez, who’ll be doing a turn as the notorious criminal Barabas.

Manchester Passion will be broadcast live on BBC Three at 9pm on Good Friday (14 April). Members of the public who would like to participate are invited to Albert Square in Manchester from 8pm onwards

I find it seriously offensive to have my religion mocked and cheapened in this way. Christian mumbo jumbo has no place in music :D

Steve Campbell wrote: I find it seriously offensive to have my religion mocked and cheapened in this way. Christian mumbo jumbo has no place in music :D

Snorri xxx

yeah, i had to look tewice at that as well. mind you that moffatt bloke looks like a cross between john simm & chris martin

ChrissMari wrote: However, there will be a cameo performance by Bez, who’ll be doing a turn as the notorious criminal Barabas.

That's gotta be worth the license fee alone...

Snorri xxx

Sounds like they've scrapped that crazy idea of singing Manchester songs during it then.

There was going to be a scene when Jesus sang 'Blue Monday' to Judas. And it was gonna end with a choral version of 'I am the Resurrection'.

Thank Christ that appears to have been canned.:rip:

Don't know mate.I saw this article in the Manchester Evening News last week,and they're still using Manc songs.Jesus on his cross singing "Heaven Knows I Miserable Now".Could have let him sing "Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life"!