I’d Do Anything

I'd Do Anything was the Saturday night talent show that cast the role of Nancy in a new West End production of Oliver! The show began on 15 March 2008 and - after 12 weeks of performances and sing-offs - Jodie Prenger was the winner by public vote. At the same time three boys were chosen to play Oliver, but without the stressful elimination rounds. The overall quality of the performers was very high and more than one star was born, with runners-up Jessie Buckley and Samantha Barks both going on to substantial success on stage and screen.

I'd Do Anything was presented by the ebullient Graham Norton and presided over by Andrew Lloyd Webber, judging proceedings from his golden throne. It built on the success of How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? and Any Dream Will Do. The other judges were John Barrowman, Denise Van Outen and Barry Humphries. Each week the rejected contestant left the show with a brief chorus of "Be Back Soon" and a solo performance of "As Long as He Needs Me".

Money raised from the viewers vote on I'd Do Anything was put towards the BBC Performing Arts Fund, which gave bursaries to aspiring performers and musicians. The fund raised and distributed £5.2 million in grants over its 12 year existence.