Jason Manford turns opera singer

Jason Manford has turned opera singer on his ITV show Comedy Rocks.

The comic stepped in after guest Matt Lucas pulled out with a chest infection. He had been due to sing an operatic version of The Impossible Dream with tenor Alfie Boe on this week’s show.

Manford said: ‘I was so nervous and I had a cold, but it was just so late in the day when Matt got ill there was no alternative.

'I'm used to being on stage but this was well out of my comfort zone. Singing with Alfie Boe, one of the country's leading tenors, was like doing kick ups in front of Pele! But I really enjoyed it and Alfie has asked me to join him when he performs at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester this summer.'

Here is the clip:

Meanwhile, Lucas has reportedly landed a dream role in West End show Les Miserables.

He has been given a six-month contract to play the villainous Thenardier, following his success in the one-off performance at the musical's 25th anniversary show at Lodnon’s O2 Arena in December.

Published: 10 Feb 2011