Strictly couple were 'perfect fit' for major stage show roles

The Wanted's Max George and ex-Eastender's star Maisie Smith will venture into 'career firsts' after a new announcement.

The real-life couple, who met and fell in love on the 2020 series of Strictly Come Dancing, will be playing married couple Parson Nathaniel and Beth in the iconic Jeff Wayne's The War of The Worlds ‘The Spirit of Man' arena tour in 2025. The roles will see Maisie make her singing debut and Max step into acting.

The role of Nathaniel has previously been played by Jason Donovan and Blue's Duncan James, while Steps' Claire Richards and singer Kerry Ellis have previously filled the role of Beth in early Jeff Wayne live productions of The War of The Worlds. Jeff Wayne's musical version of The War of The Worlds is back with a monumental new 17-date (19 shows) UK and Ireland arena tour, arriving in time to celebrate 130 years since the publication of HG Wells' dark Victorian tale.

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Conducted by Jeff Wayne and featuring Liam Neeson in 3D holography as The Journalist, who recounts his story of survival from the Martian invasion of 1898. The tour will feature an exciting new cast to star alongside Max and Maisie with further names to be announced over the coming months.

Maisie said she was "thrilled" to take the leading role and shared a special reason behind her delight. She said: "This is a particularly special role for me because I grew up listening to the soundtrack on my dad's vinyl. My family are huge fans of the show so telling them I was going to be playing Beth was a very memorable moment."

Max said he was "absolutely buzzing" to be a part of the production. He added: "It's a show I've always been a fan of and was introduced to the music when I was five. My mum absolutely loves it.

"Playing the part of Parson Nathaniel is gonna be really special. I've got big shoes to fill with the likes of Phil Lynott and Jason Donovan playing the roles in the past, but I'm looking forward to making this role my own."

Jeff Wayne said: "The moment I met Max and Maisie I knew they were the perfect fit for the role of Nathaniel and Beth. Maisie has such a melodic but powerful voice, which compliments Max's dramatic vocals wonderfully.

"Plus, being a couple in real life will add to their on-stage charisma and chemistry, and I'm delighted they've joined the 2025 The Spirit of Man Tour as husband and wife."

Full list of dates and how to get tickets:

• Friday, March 28: Hull Connexin Live

• Sunday, March 30: 3Arena Dublin, Ireland

• Tuesday, April 1: Aberdeen P&J Live

• Wednesday, April 2: Glasgow OVO Hydro

• Thursday, April 3: Leeds First Direct Arena

• Saturday, April 5: Newcastle Utilita Arena

• Sunday, April 6: Manchester Co-op Live

• Tuesday, April 8: Sheffield Utilita Arena

• Wednesday, April 9: Liverpool M&S Bank Arena

• Thursday, April 10: Nottingham Motorpoint Arena

• Saturday, April 12: Brighton Centre - matinee & evening

• Sunday, April 13: Bournemouth Int Centre

• Monday, April 14: Bournemouth Int Centre

• Wednesday, April 16: Cardiff Utilitia Arena

• Thursday, April 17: Cardiff Utilita Arena

• Friday, April 18: Birmingham Resorts World Arena

• Sunday, April 20: London The O2 - matinee & evening

Tickets are on sale now. Find your chosen date and location here.

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