Jodie takes West End Nancy role

Actress Jodie Prenger has landed the role of Nancy in the West End musical Oliver! after winning the BBC talent show I'd Do Anything.

The 28-year-old from Blackpool, who chose to perform Whitney Houston's I Have Nothing, burst into tears as host Graham Norton announced the winner.

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I'm so chuffed," she said.

Jessie Buckley, 18, came second in the competition, which was decided by a public vote.

Cameron Mackintosh, who will be producing the West End show, said he was "thrilled" for Jodie.

Both performers sang As Long As He Needs Me from the musical.

Jessie also sang The Man That Got Away in the live final on BBC One.

After the lines closed, the judges which included Torchwood star John Barrowman, singer and presenter Denise Van Outen and musicals star Barry Humphries revealed their preferences were split down the middle.

Andrew Lloyd Webber, who announced he preferred Jessie, said afterwards: "It was always going to be the people's choice."

In the first part of the show the girls sang solo and then performed duets with the three boys chosen during the series to play Oliver in the musical.

After the first round of voting Samantha Barks from the Isle of Man was evicted from the final three.

The 17-year-old, who failed to impress viewers with her version of Dionne Warwick's Anyone Who Had a Heart, said: "It's been the most amazing experience of my life. Thanks to everyone and the panel for making it incredible."

Twelve Nancys started the BBC show, the third to select a musical star, following How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? and Any Dream Will Do.

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