Danny scoops plum 'Grease' role

13 June 2007

TRIUMPH: Danny Bayne.

STUDENTS at a drama school are "jubilant" that classmate Danny Bayne has won ITV talent show Grease is the Word.

Pupils at Chislehurst drama school Italia Conte held a barbeque and party on the day 'Danny B' won the chance to star in West End Grease the Musical.

The 19-year-old singer, actor and dancer from Welling, who has been at the school since he was 12, will star as Danny alongside fellow winner Susan McFadden as Sandy.

Director of the school, Cliff Vote, said the children were ecstatic. He said: "They had been building up to the day for a long time, and to see our boy go through was absolutely phenomenal.

"The things that children aspire to and dream of can be achieved by those who work at it."

He said that he came into the central London school of Italia Conte, on Monday to a warm greeting from fellow students.

"He's on a bit of a celebratory tour at the moment," he added. "Every class he goes past everyone cheers."

The final of the show was screened last Saturday and the judging panel included producer David Ian, promoter David Gest (Liza Minnelli's ex) and Brain Friedman, who has choreographed for Britney Spears.

Danny B and Susan McFadden, 24-year-old sister of West Life member Brian McFadden, will fill the roles made famous by John Travolta and Olivia Newton John in the 1978 film Grease, which was screened just before the final.

They will star in the forthcoming West End show on August 8. Previews will start on July 25.