April 2008 - Summer Concerts in Sunny Scarborough!

New dates: - It has been confirmed that in addition to his hectic 'Hairspray' schedule, Ben will be returning to his hometown to perform in two concerts at Scarborough Spa, the dates are Sunday August 31st and Sunday September 7th. Hooray! For more information click here! John Barrowman Concerts - In the past month Ben has performed to great acclaim at three concerts held by Doctor Who and Torchwood star and West End performer John Barrowman, in Glasgow, London and Gateshead, where Ben teamed up with his fellow ex-'Any Dream Will Do' competitors Daniel Boys and Keith Jack. These boys are three of John's self-proclaimed favourites from the television show. John, we always knew you had excellent taste! I'd Do Anything - Fittingly, Ben also recently made a television appearance on the BBC One hit reality show to find a new actress and actor to play Nancy and Oliver respectively for the upcoming West End revival of 'Oliver'. The potential Nancy's were challenged with acting out a short scene from 'Hairspray' alongside Ben, and kissing him convincingly! As Ben himself confessed afterwards, it was "not a bad day at the office!" Quite! Theatrecares - Additionally, Ben appeared at the Late Night Cabaret 'Love me Tender, Hate me Please', a 'Theatrecares' concert where his 'Hairspray' co-star Leanne Jones also performed a number.

February 2008 - What's On Stage Theatregoers' Choice Awards

A happy and healthy 2008 to all Ben fans! The new year sees ‘Hairspray’ continue its hugely successful run at the Shaftesbury theatre, and Ben continues to thrill theatregoers with his fabulous performance as the one and only ‘Link Larkin’. Congratulations to all those involved in the current production of ‘Hairspray’, and in particular to all those who won awards in recognition of their work on this amazing show, including Ben, at the ‘What’s On Stage.com 2008 Theatregoers’ Choice 2008 Awards' concert which took place at the Lyric Theatre in London on Sunday 24th February. Ben performed a solo number at the concert as well as collecting his award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical. He was in the illustrious company of other new and established stars of the stage in 2007 including Diana Rigg, Daniel Radcliffe, and his fabulous Hairspray co-stars, Leanne Jones, Tracie Bennett, and of course Michael Ball. Daniel Boys from 'Any Dream Will Do' also perfomed a solo number, and 'Joseph' himself, Lee Mead, was in the audience cheering them on. Ben looked dashing and smart in his suit and tie, and he gave a lovely acceptance speech on receiving his award, in particular thanking his family, and those who have helped and advised him along the way to where he is now. This inaugural ceremony was a great success, enjoyed by audience, performers and recipients alike. To find out more about the performers and the show, click here What a great show and fantastic for Ben to be so closely involved!

December 2007 - Hairspray stays strong!

Hairspray is now two months into its run at the Shaftesbury theatre and is proving to be one of the hottest tickets in town! The superb cast are wowing the audiences every night and even took time out of their busy schedule to put in an entertaining appearance in front of no less than the Queen at the Royal Variety Performance held earlier this month in Liverpool, opening up the show to an even wider audience. Star Michael Ball has committed to the show for another six months, until October 2008. Ben is loving being part of the show and has been nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical in the What's On Stage.com Theatregoers' Choice Awards for his portrayal of the teen heartthrob Link Larkin - and who can resist him! To vote for Ben (if you haven't already!) click here! BEN WHAT A YEAR IT HAS BEEN FOR YOU! Everyone at BEFS wishes Ben and all his fans a wonderful Christmas and a healthy and successful 2008!

October 2007 - Hairspray The Musical - Latest News

October 11th saw the long awaited and much talked about British Premiere of Hairspray at London's Shaftesbury Theatre. Ben's fans were very excited to see him make his West End debut as heart throb Link Larkin. Join the forum to see photos and read reviews by those lucky enough to have been to see Hairspray already. Hairspray Rehearsals Ben started rehearsing with the cast and crew of Hairspray on August 20th. Read Ben's latest behind the scenes Hairspray blog here! See the latest news and pictures from Ben at the rehearsals for Hairspray on the forum. He told us that the cast and crew are fantastic and he is thrilled to be working with all these talented people in his first West End job, and that he is looking forward to seeing all of us Ben fans at the Shaftesbury theatre. The Music of Dirty Dancing was certainly a fitting precursor to this show because Ben is having 'the time of his life' preparing for Hairspray! The show promises to be a fantastic night out, to see more great pictures of the cast in costume visit the official website here where you can also find details of how to buy tickets for the show. Click here or scroll down the page to find a 'link' taking you to our summary of all the latest stories on the web about all things Ben!

August 11th 2007 - The Music Of Dirty Dancing - Crystal Palace Bowl

The date was Saturday 11th August and the venue, Crystal Palace Bowl, for the second London date of Ben's performances as lead male vocalist and dancer in the touring production of 'The Music of Dirty Dancing'. A large group of fans were there once again to cheer Ben on, with his proud family and friends there too offering their support as they did throughout the 'Any Dream Will Do' live shows. The weather stayed fine and the crowd danced the night away to the mixture of funky and romantic grooves, with Ben and his co-lead Amy leading the dance instruction from the stage again. "All together now, one, two, three, four, work, work...." Congratulations on these two greatly entertaining concerts Ben, you have confirmed your talent and status as a bright new star for the stage, and we are all so much looking forward to seeing you in 'Hairspray' - you have made it to the West End stage !! Ben is fantastic and must be seen and heard live! This is Ben we're talking about! Get your 'Hairspray' tickets asap Angels. Have you learned the lyrics for 'You Can't Stop The Beat' yet? If not, why not?!

July 25th 2007 - HAIRSPRAY! - Ben to play Link Larkin Breaking News - 'Hairspray' - Ben to play Link! Ben auditioned for the part of Link Larkin in the upcoming West End production of Hairspray, and both he and all of us have been awaiting the outcome with great excitement! He spoke to us at Kew Gardens and was quietly confident that it went very well. We've had everything crossed for you Ben!! On Wednesday 25th July we finally heard the news that we had all been waiting and hoping for, as it was reported that Ben James-Ellis will play the part of Link Larkin in the new West End production of 'Hairspray'. A heartfelt congratulations from all his fans goes to Ben on securing this role, click here to visit the official 'Hairspray' musical website where Ben has now been announced in the role! Previews from 11th October. Press night is 30th October. Fantastic news and cause for celebrations! Well done Ben.....or should we say, LINK !

July 11th 2007 - The Music Of Dirty Dancing - Kew Gardens Concert The Music Of Dirty Dancing Ben performed on July 11th in a production entitled 'The Music of Dirty Dancing' as part of the Kew Gardens Summer Swing season, singing many well-known tracks that feature in the film and musical. Alongside a super supporting cast of dancers and singers, including Amy Pemberton singing the female lead vocals, Ben entertained the large crowd and had everyone up and dancing before long! He sang ballads and fast numbers with passion and professionalism throughout the performance, and already has a great instinct and awareness of how to entertain the crowd, building on his performances in 'Any Dream Will Do'. He evidently worked hard on the dance moves, providing cheeky hip wiggles galore, and had everyone in the crowd joining in waving their arms and dancing to the medley of tunes at the end of the show! Ever the gentleman, he spent time after the show meeting some of his fans and we'd like to thank him for that again here.

June 16th 2007 - An Audience with Ben Ellis - Scarborough Spa

Ben entertained and rewarded his loyal fans with this show back in his hometown, thanking everyone for their support throughout 'Any Dream Will Do', and spending hours afterwards meeting fans, chatting and posing for those prized photographs! Ben was joined at his concert by fellow 'ADWD' contender and friend, Chris Barton, in a reprise of many of the best loved performances from the television series. A very successful and warmly welcomed homecoming by all accounts!