Darren Day explains how Phillip Schofield's marriage to wife Stephanie led to his career

Darren Day has opened up about how he got his first big break on the West End, during an appearance on Lorraine.

The 54-year-old made his breakthrough as an actor in London's West End theatre, starring in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.

Darren has now explained how Phillip Schofield’s marriage to his now-ex wife Stephanie Lowe gave him his big break, as he replaced the departing This Morning star in the production.

During Wednesday’s instalment of Lorraine, Darren reminisced over the early days of his career with Christine Lampard, who is sitting in for regular host Lorraine Kelly during the summer break.

As a photo of him playing Joseph flashed onto the big screen in the ITV studio, Darren said it had “been a while” since he had seen it.

Christine replied: “It’s happy memories. Let's just remind ourselves of that wonderful moment. It’s where all the musical theatre began – thanks to Phillip Schofield in fact, who had been doing the part beforehand.”

Darren then revealed: “Here’s the thing, had Phil not have got married and needed a honeymoon, I would not probably have a career.” He then turned to look straight at the ITV camera and said: “So, thank you Phil.”

The 54-year-old made his breakthrough as an actor in London's West End theatre (mirror.co.uk)

Darren continued: “I went and auditioned and never thought in a million years, because Phil was and still is a massive star, Jason Donovan was and still is a massive star – my mum failed to recognise me some days.

“Fortunately for me, Andrew [Lloyd Webber] decided to go with a different story and rather than a big star take over from a big star, he let this unknown kid take over from a big star.

He then turned to look straight at the ITV camera and said: “So, thank you Phil.” (mirror.co.uk)

“My nickname at the Palladium was Darren Who for a while, but without that part – everything happened.

“I got a record deal with Simon Cowell the first night. I got a three year deal with Saturday night television, all from that, so I owe my whole career to that part and I played it on and off for twelve years.”

“My nickname at the Palladium was Darren Who for a while"` (mirror.co.uk)

He then joked: “In lockdown I did an online concert – I thought my Joseph days were well over in my fifties – but it had to be online because I don’t think I’d get away with a loincloth live anymore.”

Darren went on to star in several West End shows, including Grease, Summer Holiday and Godspell.

Lorraine airs weekdays at 9am on ITV