Bill Ward is soon to be swapping the cobbles of Coronation Street for the high heels of Hugo/Loco Chanel in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.
Playing the role for a limited time, Bill will don the infamous dress of Loco from 1 July. Bill is best known for playing Charlie Stubbs in Coronation Street and James Burton in Emmerdale. He has been nominated five times for a British Soap Award and has won twice for Best Exit and Storyline.
No stranger to the theatre, Bill’s theatre credits include Legally Blonde (UK Tour), The Hairy Ape (Southwark Playhouse), Viva Forever (West End) and Million Dollar Quartet (West End).
Bill said: “I’m delighted to be joining the cast of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. It’s a wonderful story, genuinely heart-warming with some cracking tunes, and an awful lot of fun. I’m particularly looking forward to finding my inner Loco Chanelle, and stepping into one of the biggest pairs of stilettoes I’ve ever seen.”
Bill will join current cast members: Layton Williams (Jamie New), Faye Tozer (Miss Hedge), Alex Anstey (Laika Virgin), Luke Baker (Dean Paxton), Courtney Bowman (Fatimah), Marvyn Charles (Swing), Marlon G Day (Dad), Momar Diagne, Zahra Jones (Becca), James Gillan (Tray Sophisticay), Ryan Hughes (Mickey), Daniel Jacob (Sandra Bollock), Melissa Jacques, Emily Kenwright (Vicki), Sejal Keshwala (Ray), Luke Latchman (Sayid), Jordan Laviniere (Cy), Rebecca McKinnis (Margaret New), Harriet Payne (Bex), Rachel Price (Swing), Sabrina Sandhu (Pritti Pasha), Biancha Szynal (Swing), Adam Taylor (Swing) and Ziggy Tyler Taylor (Levi).
Nominated for five Olivier Awards, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is based on the true story of Sheffield teenager Jamie, who dreams of being a drag queen and wearing a dress to prom. Trying to step out of the darkness into the spotlight isn’t easy, but with the help of his mum, his friends and his mentor, Hugo/Loco Chanel, walking in high heels won’t be so hard. Initially a BBC documentary, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is now about to be made into a major film.
Nica Burns, Producer of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie said: “Hugo/Loco Chanelle is a terrific part which has attracted fantastic performers. We are delighted to welcome tv and stage star, Bill Ward, who will bring his own sparkle to the role.”
Hugo/Loco Chanel is currently being played by RuPaul Drag Race winner, Roy Haylock / Bianca Del Rio, who will remain in the role until Saturday 29 June 2019.