Actor Leon Lopez is to replace Ben Freeman in the ITV talent show, Soapstar Superstar.

Lopez - who played Tank Top in Hollyoaks In The City- will join the remaining ten other contestants, replacing Ben Freeman after he was dropped due to an ongoing legal case.

“I am really excited and am looking forward to getting on the stage and performing,” said Lopez. “I’m sure the other contestants are all really talented, but I am looking forward to the competition and would be lying if I said I didn’t want to win!”

Executive producer Rachel Ashdown added: “Like all our soap stars Leon has a natural singing ability. With these eleven stars this year, it really is anyone’s prize to win. People will know Leon from Hollyoaks in the City and Brookside before that, and just like our other stars, he has a great voice.�