BBC have confirmed the new judging panel for their latest Andrew Lloyd Webber show ‘Over The Rainbow’ and Denise Van Outen isn’t on it.

Joining Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber on the panel will be former opera singer Charlotte Church, acclaimed actress Sheila Hancock and Eastenders star John Partridge.

Denise has made a statement today claiming to feel ‘let down’ by the BBC and admits that bosses had told her that her pregnancy was a problem for the show.

Van Outen, who is six months pregnant with her first baby told The Daily Mail:

‘I am not ill, I am just having a baby. I feel disappointed and let down. Being pregnant is not an issue for me, I feel fit and healthy.

‘I am absolutely happy to carry on working. I am here today at the Bumps And Babies Mile today which shows I feel fine.’

She confirmed: ‘It was mentioned to me that being pregnant was an issue.’

‘It should be up to the woman to decide if they feel well enough to carry on working.

‘I feel in really good health and I am sure lots of other pregnant women feel the same as me.

‘If I was having a tough pregnancy I could maybe understand the decision, but I feel perfectly fine.’

A source close to Denise told the newspaper:

‘Denise did not take it for granted that she was returning, but really hoped she would get the job.

‘However, when she asked, Denise had a bit of a shock when a senior member of production told her “You’re pregnant, so of course there’s no way you can do the show”. This was then repeated to her by another producer.’

A BBC spokesman said: ‘Over The Rainbow is a brand new show for BBC One with a completely new line-up of judges.

‘None of the other five previous judges will be taking part.