Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber has revealed that he literally BEGGED the BBC to get Barry Humphries as a judge on new show, I’d Do Anything.

Andrew told The Sun: “I’ve known Barry for a long time.

“He has strong views about theatre so I thought it would be amazing to have him on the panel.

“We’re very lucky to get him. For health reasons he had to cancel a Dame Edna tour and at that moment I begged the BBC — I really did beg them — to get him.

“He’s been an incredible help to me and will bring a new dimension to the show.”

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I’d Do Anything will be looking to find an actress for the role of Nancy and three young actors who will take turns as Oliver in the Lionel Bart musical.

Graham Norton will again host the show after leading previous searches for the stars of Joseph and The Sound of Music.

Auditions will begin in early 2008 and the programme will be broadcast on BBC One later in the year.

Norton will be joined by Andrew Lloyd Webber for the programme along with Barry Humphries, John Barrowman and Denise Van Outen.

“We’re really pleased to be building on the success of Any Dream Will Do with a new search for West End stars next year,” Elaine Bedell, the BBC’s controller of entertainment commissioning said.

“Oliver! is a much-loved British musical so we’re sure the show will unite families and melt hearts across the UK as we watch some of Britain’s best new talent take centre stage.”

Based on the Charles Dickens book, Oliver! was made into a film in 1968, starring Mark Lester in the lead role.

Earlier this year, Lee Mead won the TV search to become the lead in the West End production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

In 2006, former call centre worker Connie Fisher won How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? to take the lead in Lloyd Webber’s revival of The Sound of Music.

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