TV’s Nancy ready for challenge
JUST 12 months ago, unknown actress Jodie Prenger was doing cabaret in her native Blackpool. This week she will be appearing in the West End in the premiere of the musical Oliver!
More than six million viewers watched last year as she clinched the role of Nancy on BBC1’s talent show I’d Do Anything. [>
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Had it not been for the public vote, however, it is likely Jodie, 29, may never have been hired. [>
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While Andrew Lloyd-Webber saw promise, Sir Cameron Macintosh, the impresario bringing Lionel Bart’s masterpiece back to life at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, with Rowan Atkinson playing the evil Fagin, had reservations. [>
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Sir Cameron, 62, admitted last night he had been worried that Jodie was too heavy to withstand the rigours of rehearsals. [>
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“Let’s face it, she was big,” he said, “but she’s lost weight and now she seems just right. [>
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“The best Nancys have always come from nowhere and we are absolutely delighted with Jodie. [>
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“She has a terrific voice and she’s good at making asides and a lot of people don’t know how to do that.” [>
