Watch Susan McFaddena nd Danny Bayne having a chat with Sky News about their appearances on ITV Tv show, Grease Is The Word as well as some live footage of the West End show. The stage show was slated by critics earlier this week.

Michelle Antrobus has promised that tonight’s final of ITV’s Grease Is The Word, will be a friendly one. She insists that she will be happy if Susan McFadden wins and is sure that the feeling would be mutual.

“We both wanted to be together in the final because we get on very well,” Michelle told the Daily Record. “I think it’s friendly competition and we both know we’ve done really well to get this far.

“We’re so different as well. I’m a brunette and she’s a blonde. But it won’t be nasty competition.”

From the tens of thousands of people who initially auditioned, just four contestants remain. Only two will win the coveted West End roles to become Sandy and Danny on stage in the hit musical Grease.

With just two girls and two boys left, competition is fierce and this Saturday Susan McFadden takes on Michelle Antrobus and Danny Bayne goes head to head with Anthony Kavanagh.

From the first auditions in London and Manchester, through to Bootcamp and then to the live studio shows, each of these four contestants has been on a massive personal journey.

There have been shocks and surprises along the way as the judges kept them all on their toes to gauge both talent and how they cope under pressure. From initially competing in couples, the contestants were devastated to have their couplings changed and then were further challenged when they learned they were to go head to head and compete on their own in an all boys and then all girl’s semi-final.

Living together in the Grease house in North London they have all become close friends but on Saturday night these friendships will be put aside as all are determined to win.

The two winners will be put straight to work, rehearsing for their roles with the rest of the Grease cast ready for the opening night at the Piccadilly theatre on the 8th August. Since 29th March when booking opened the box office has taken five and a half million pounds in advance sales.

Saturday 9th June 7.55pm on ITV1

The News Of The World have reported today on the close links between some of the finalists on ITV’s Grease Is The Word and BBC’s Any Dream Will Do, and top record producers.

They explain that from Grease Is The Word, Susan McFadden has close ties to Simon Cowell through her brother, Brian McFadden and Antony Kavanagh has already had a two record deal with Virgin records.

On Any Dream Will Do, Craig Chalmers has already been a finalist on Pop Idol and entered the UK top ten with a Scottish band called No Reason.

A TV insider revealed: “There are serious questions being raised about how many shows like this can be sustained.
“Popstars, Pop Idol, The X Factor and How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria drained the talent pool.

“That is the main reason why The X Factor has lowered the age of entry this year to just 14 – the producers realise they need to find people who haven’t appeared on TV before.”

What do you think? Are we running out of undiscovered talent in the UK or could there be a more sinister explanation for all these ‘coincidences’?

Danny and Susan were paired up together by the Judges on the final day of Bootcamp. Danny obviously has a little twinkle in his eye for Susan, but being five years her junior will he win her over with his boyish charms or will she just see him as a kid brother?

Danny by name but is he Danny by nature? Danny Bayne, 19 from Kent thinks he has the all-round performance skill and quality to be Danny at the West End.

During his first audition David Ian was impressed with the young performer saying he had it all and David guest commented that Danny had a ‘John Travolta like quality.’

“I’ve always loved Grease, it’s a classic. So, when I heard there were open auditions I was there in a flash,” says Danny.

“I just want to go out on that stage in front of all the viewers and do my thing. Hopefully people will like it,” he adds.

Hoping to be the one the viewers want, is Susan McFadden, 24 from London.

Stepping out of the shadow of her brother Brian, who was formally of the pop group Westlife, Susan hopes to realise her dream of being on the West End stage.

“Sandy absolutely is my dream job and to play her in the West End would just be out of this world,” says Susan.

“People have this perception that because I have a famous brother that it would inevitably get me to a point where I want to be famous, but that just simply isn’t the way things are. I hope that the public will see this when they watch the show.”

Age: 24
Job: Performer
Location: London

“I think this is the first time I’ve actually felt proud of myself for something. I feel that because of my brother, Brian, I have to prove myself that little bit more to show that I am here on my own merit.”

The Story So Far…

* David Gest told her that talent must run in the family while Brian paid her a huge compliment: “You’re a triple threat, one of the best we’ve seen.” David Ian simply said ‘sensational’.

* Susan sailed through to Bootcamp. Her performance impressed the judges again. Sinitta loved her tone, David thought she had a great voice and great class.

History

* Susan is the only daughter of Mairead and Brandon. She has one older brother, Brian McFadden, who is a former member of Irish super group, Westlife.

* Susan was born and raised in Dublin but is currently single and living in London.

* Susan has been singing for 20 years, and attended the Billy Barry Stage School, where she had singing lessons and dance tuition.

* Susan has never appeared on a West End stage but she has had numerous auditions for shows and has also appeared on television in Ireland playing the role of Jenny in mini series called ‘Relative Strangers’.

What made you apply for Grease? Who has been supporting you?

“I’ve spent the past year auditioning for so many shows and getting so near to the part but it never happened for me. I get really nervous in auditions and never feel like I really do my best. This is the ultimate challenge for me. Sandy has always been a dream role for me and I’ve never auditioned for it, so after much persuasion from my friends and family, I decided to go for it!”

How does it feel to have got this far?

“Amazing! I have to say I think it’s the first time I’ve felt actually proud of myself for something. I never realised how tough the whole experience was going to be, and I can only imagine how much harder it’s probably going to get. “

Has it been a difficult journey for you to get to this stage?

“Initially, I didn’t want to be part of it. I was really worried about whether my brother being Brian would affect my chances in this competition. In a way I’ve put pressure on myself, and I feel that maybe I have to prove myself that little bit more in my performances to show that I am on there on my own merit.

“People have this perception that because I have a famous brother that it would inevitably get me to a point where I want to be famous, but that just simply isn’t the way things are. I hope that the public will see this when they watch the show.”

Is there anything that you are worried about in the next stage?

“I’m a bit worried about being nervous. I’m hoping that my nerves won’t take over when I have to perform live. But I’ll be taking loads of rescue remedy! I think the fact that we have to sing duets might make it a bit better because you’ll have your partner on stage with you for support. I’m also worried about looking fat on camera, but I suppose most girls do!”

What does it mean to you to play Sandy?

“To be on the West End has always been a dream of mine. Sandy is absolutely my dream job and to play her in the West End would just be out of this world!”

How do you think you would handle fame?

“I’ve seen how fame affects people’s lives. It’s not always a bed of roses, which probably most people may think. Because of my brother I have a realistic view of fame. Also I am very laid back, so I don’t think I would become a diva or anything! I don’t want fame, I just want success in my career. “