X Factor alumnus Joe McElderry is currently dazzling the nation as Pharaoh in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's Olivier Award-winning musical extravaganza - but if you didn't know, he's just one star-studded name along the rainbow of Josephs who've become biblical idols over the years (not Pop Idol - we see you, Gareth Gates!).

Jac Yarrow

From the title of drama school graduate to the Fresh Prince of Pharaoh's court, the baby of the bunch, Jac Yarrow, made his West End debut as Joseph in 2019 but that didn't stop critics from calling him a "born musical theatre star." He's since gone on to star in Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends and have a stint in Les Mis. Not bad for someone with a small CV in theatre!

Gareth Gates

I'm having a conversation - original Pop Idol runner-up and balladeer of the noughties, Gareth Gates swapped multi-platinum selling hits for biblical bangers... faster than you can say Unchained Melody! In 2009, Gates took over a new Joseph production, which began in 2007 and used the original direction of Steven Pimlott. He proved that he hasn't sold over 3 million records in the UK for just any old reason!

Lee Mead

The Dreamcoat's West End darling. After winning the BBC's Any Dream Will Do, Lee Mead became the poster boy for the dreamcoat generation. His smooth voice, earnest performance, and curls you could bounce a shekel off turned him into a West End fixture. Mead didn't just play Joseph - he was Joseph for a whole new wave of fans.

H from Steps

Tragedy? Pfft - more like triumph! Anyone and everyone knows that holding the title of boy bander comes with a lot of stress (but mostly screams of adoration). So it's no wonder that H could handle this Old Testament drama twice, to be exact: once in 2005 (West End) and then again in 2013 (UK Tour). Mr. Ian Watkins of Steps made Joseph as upbeat as a 90s dancefloor.

Jason Donovan

The golden boy. Back in the early '90s, it was Jason-mania. The Neighbours heartthrob slipped into the dreamcoat and instantly became the Joseph of a generation. His run was so iconic, they had to invent new superlatives. The dreamcoat had never shone brighter (and neither had the box office).