Monday, 25 August 2008

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Jodie Prenger to appear in Les Misérables

Bosses feel I'd Do Anything winner needs a trial run before Oliver!

Jodie Prenger was the surprise winner ovr Jessie Buckley in the final of I'd Do Anthing

Reality show winner Jodie Prenger is set to make her West End debut with a variety of minor parts in hit musical Les Misérables.

Viewers of BBC 1 show I’d Do Anything voted for the 29-year-old as their Nancy in a new production of Oliver! but boss Sir Cameron Mackintosh feels Jodie could do with some practice before taking on such a big challenge.

‘We thought it would be useful for her to experience what it will be like performing regularly in the West End,’ a spokesman for judge Sir Cameron explains.

The impresario has previously admitted that he wanted runner-up Jessie Buckley, 18, to be his Nancy but it seems former cruise ship singer Jodie is not letting this new blow affect her.

‘Jodie thinks it is a good idea to try these small roles to get as much experience as possible,’ a source tells The Mirror. ‘She wants fans coming to see Oliver! To be blown away and if this helps her cope with nerves it can only be a good thing.’

When Connie Fisher, 25, won How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria and Lee Mead, 27, triumphed in Any Dream Will Do, they both went straight into their starring roles.

Holly Arnold