Ben, 18, will play cool character Link Larkin in the show and will join an all-star line-up including Michael Ball, Mel Smith and Tracie Bennett.

It makes him the first finalist from TV talent show Any Dream Will Do – with the obvious exception of winner Lee Mead – to win a West End role and he has already been congratulated by celebrity judges Denise Van Outen, John Barrowman and Bill Kenwright.

Speaking to the Evening News, Ben revealed he never expected to win a top part so quickly.

He said: "It's my dream and at 18 it's a bit hard to take in. The part in it is brilliant, it's something I can get my teeth into.

"It's such a good show and since the movie's been released in cinemas it's on the rise. It's a real rock 'n' roll type of musical – kids and parents will love it."

Ben is now looking forward to working with and learning from Michael Ball, who he describes as an "idol".

The musical is based on the 1988 John Waters movie of the same name and, while on Broadway, was critically acclaimed and lauded with awards. It has been re-adapted as a Hollywood film starring John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer and Queen Letifah.

Ben will start rehearsals on August 20. The show is at the Shaftesbury Theatre and opens there on October 11.