FORMER boy band heart-throb Antony Costa, from Blue, is set to send hearts fluttering in Medway this spring.

The singer is the latest cast announcement for the musical Beauty and the Beast, taking over The Central Theatre, Chatham, from Sunday, April 6.

He joins children’s presenter Barney Harwood who, producers revealed last week, will play court jester Jangles in the Medway Messenger supported show.

Costa achieved chart-topping success with the boy band Blue, selling seven million records thanks to chart topping singles like One Love, All Rise and If You Come Back. The band also performed duets with Elton John and Stevie Wonder, and separated in 2005.

Costa, who will play the Beast, has also appeared on numerous television and stage shows, and in 2005 he did a stint on ITV game show I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here.

He is presently touring the UK and is set to release his second solo album later this year.

Paul Hendy, joint producer of Beauty and the Beast, said: “We’re thrilled Antony is on board with the project and we think he will bring the role great gravitas as well as a fantastic voice.”

“To find someone of his profile and pop credentials who has also had so much stage experience was a real achievement. We are very much looking forward to working with him.”

Evolution Productions have promised to announce more of the cast shortly. They will perform alongside hundreds of people who impressed at recent auditions.

Beauty and the Beast runs from Sunday, April 6, until Sunday, April 13 at The Central Theatre, Chatham. To book call 01634 338338 or www.medway.gov.uk/theatres.