November 6, 2007 – 3:54 pm
Denise Van Outen has slammed recent ITV reality TV shows, saying that they are more interested in their ratings, than their contestants.
Denise echoed a recent debate on our forum when she told The Stage:
“They [Grease Is The Word] were not so serious about finding genuine stars.
“I am not saying the two people who won were not good as I have not seen them, but I think their search was more for TV viewers rather than finding and nurturing people for the West End.”
The Any Dream Will Do judge added: “The reason why the BBC shows are such a good thing is because I know the aftercare the contestants get when they leave the show. Continue reading ‘Denise Van Outen Slams ITV Reality TV Shows‘ »
September 20, 2007 – 5:10 pm
Lee Mead, winner of reality TV show, Any Dream Will Do, has reached the pinnacle of his career so far, and picked up the Rear Of The Year 2007 award. The charity event aims to help the Beating Bowel Cancer organisation.
West End star Lee said: “I’m absolutely delighted this crucial part of my anatomy is helping to raise awareness for such an important cause.”
August 29, 2007 – 10:02 am
Andrew Lloyd Webber has said that the only reason the X Factor is enjoying such high ratings at the moment, is because his shows are off air.
The Lord, 59, said: “Last year it was up against Maria for a few weeks.
“We took a big chunk of their ratings. We were getting about six million and they were getting about seven million.
“So of course they are doing well this year — there’s nothing up against them.”
Lloyd Webber also revealed he will be back on TV with a BBC Christmas special with all the Maria and Joseph finalists.
And he added: “I am still talking with the BBC for a show next year. But it won’t be one of my musicals.”
August 12, 2007 – 9:59 am
Lee Mead, winner of BBC TV show, Any Dream Will Do, has landed a £100,000 record deal with Polydor records.
It is expected that Lee will release his debut albulm this Christmas.
A record company source says: “He’s going to be the new Michael Ball - but a lot cooler.”
Any Dream Will Do runners up, Lewis Bradley and Ben Ellis have both won major roles on the West End.
Lewis will share the role of Joseph with show winner, Lee Mead for one show a week, while Ben has landed a role on the West End Version of Hairspray.
Ben said: Continue reading ‘Any Dream Will Do: Lewis Bradley And Ben Ellis Win Dream Roles‘ »
Lee Mead suffered yet another technical hitch last night during his debut performance in Joseph and His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.
As if it wasn’t bad enough that last week’s preview was ruined by a massive technical problem, leaving the cast with no set or props, last night’s opening show had to be halted once again due tgo a problem with the revolving stage.
Luckily, most critics seemed impressed by Lee’s performance, The Telegraph’s Charles Spencer said Mead “has a powerful and expressive voice” but was concerned “his vocals were beginning to sound a little frayed” by the end. Continue reading ‘Lee Mead Has Opening Night Problems‘ »
Lee Mead, winner of BBC TV show, Any Dream Will Do, will be facing the critics for the first time tonight as Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat opens tonight.
Here’s hoping the show goes better than last weeks preview, when due to a technical hitch, the second half of the show was performed with no set, lights or props!
The Sun has reported today that despite heavy theatre commitments, Andrew Lloyd Webber has agreed to make a third reality Tv series with the BBC, this time searching for the lead in My Fair Lady.
One source said: “The first show - How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? - looked for a female star, then Any Dream Will Do found a male lead for Joseph. It makes sense to alternate each year.
They added: “The danger with doing two male lead hunts on the trot is you may end up with many of the same lads who tried out for Joseph.” Continue reading ‘Andrew Lloyd Webber To Search For Eliza Doolittle‘ »
Runner up from the BBC TV show, Any Dream Will Do, Craig Chalmers has landed the starring role in a touring production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
The 16-week regional tour of the musical kicks off on 20 August at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley, Kent.
The singer, who was once in the boyband No Reason, is hoping to use his “pop background to give Joseph a more up-to-date image”. Continue reading ‘Craig Chalmers Will Star In Joseph Tour‘ »
Lee Mead faces another nail-biting competition this weekend as his recording of Any Dream Will Do for BBC Children in Need makes its bid for the top of the UK charts.
His chart nemesis is Rihanna, whose single Umbrella has dominated the top spot for five consecutive weeks, but Lee has fellow Any Dream Will Do finalists Keith Jack and Lewis Bradley in his corner, singing on the CD bonus track Close Every Door.
Any Dream Will Do is also available as a download as well as a double track CD single and every copy sold will help BBC Children in Need top last year’s total of £32 million. Continue reading ‘Lee Mead Makes His Bid For Number One In The Uk Charts!‘ »
