MATT WILLIS is ready to kick off 2026 with a stark change of direction.
He became a household name thanks to more than two decades with chart-toppers Busted.
And he spent the best part of 2025 touring alongside fellow Noughties stars McFly with an epic arena tour.
But I can now reveal Matt has landed a leading role in West End hit musical Cabaret, playing the flamboyant Emcee, host of Berlin’s Kit Kat Club.
He follows in the footsteps of Eddie Redmayne and Neil Patrick Harris.
Eddie won Best Actor In A Musical at the 2022 Olivier Awards for his portrayal.
Matt will take the stage from January 26, alongside West End star Katie Hall, who plays female lead Sally Bowles.
A source said: “Rather than simply adding a celebrity name to boost sales, Matt secured the role all by himself.
“He auditioned just like others and got the part on his own merit. Bosses were really impressed and think he will be able to take the role of Emcee in a new direction.
‘Really excited’
“Rather than just copying the likes of Eddie and Neil, Matt has been perfecting his version of the character.
“Everyone is really excited for him to take on the role.”
While he’s best known for being a third of Busted, bass player Matt is no stranger to the West End stage.
He made his debut in Flashdance during 2010 and played Fiyero in Wicked the following year.
In 2022 he had a starring role in 2:22 — A Ghost Story.
Cabaret is currently booking until September 26 next year at The Playhouse Theatre.
The production has already passed its 1,500th performance, making it the longest-running version of Cabaret in West End history.
From February 9 the show will also be refreshing the cast.
Isobel Bates, Jonathan Charles, Shanelle Clemenson, Zara Liu, Brian James O’Sullivan and Shiho Yokoyama will be joining the production on London’s Embankment.
