Julian Ovenden to Lead ITV's Live THE SOUND OF MUSIC This Christmas

ITV is putting on its own live version of Rodgers and Hammerstein's THE SOUND OF MUSIC this Christmas, and, according to the Daily Mail, Julian Ovenden will star as 'Captain Von Trapp'.

No word yet on the rest of the cast, but THE SOUND OF MUSIC will be directed and filmed live by Coky Giedroyc.

The company is also reportedly shooting "a version in advance for 'safety', just in case anything goes wrong on the night."

NBC aired a live production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC in 2013, starring Carrie Underwood and Stephen Moyer as the lead couple. Last winter, the network screened PETER PAN with Allison Williams, and this year, it tackles THE WIZ. FOX is also joining the live TV production game with its upcoming version of GREASE, set to air stateside this January.

Ovenden, who recently appeared on DOWNTON ABBEY, has starred in the West End in MARGUERITE, GRAND HOTEL and MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, as well as the first run of FINDING NEVERLAND in London. The actor has also taken the stage on Broadway in BUTLEY and off-Broadway in DEATH TAKES A HOLIDAY.

Photo Credit: Pamela Raith