Oliver – Jodie Prenger wins I’d Do Anything
Oliver has it’s leading lady – on tonight’s I’d Do Anything the public vote chose Jodie Prenger.
Jodie has been a firm favourite during the whole series. She has hardly put a foot wrong and has given some extraordinary performances. In the final she was up against strong competition from Samantha Barks and Jessie Buckley. I agree with Andrew Lloyd Webber who’s final comment was that he’d always thought this might be the result. Jodie touched a nerve with the public. She’s got a good voice and she is closest to the way Nancy is usually portrayed.
There’s been some question over how happy Cameron Macintosh would be with Jodie as his Nancy. Some newspapers went so far as to suggest that he thought she might be too ‘big’ and that he’d prefer a slimmer actress for the part. As it was tonight when he was asked how he felt about the result he said:
I’m thrilled for Jodie
This did hit a slightly off note, especially after he’d expressed his preference for Jessie only a few minutes earlier.
John Barrowman and Denise Van Outen were both obviously delighted by the public’s choice. Barry Humphries seemed less so. He’s always had a soft spot for the younger girls and I suspect he’d have preferred the role to go to either Sam or Jessie.
Did the right Nancy win?
I think so, but it was awfully close. I’ve supported Jodie pretty much from the start but tonight I switched my support back and forth between the three of them.
I loved Sam’s rendition of Anyone Who Had a Heart and was ready to change my choice. Then her duet with ‘Oliver’ put me right off her for the role. There wasn’t much wrong with it but it was just very clear that there was only 5 years between them. It just didn’t work! It was no surprise then that she went out first. I’m sure we’ll see more of Sam and she’ll be on the West End stage soon.
Jessie sang a hard song and was far better with her Oliver, striking a lovely balance between being a tomboyish big sister and slightly maternal. It was the final song that let her down I think. She gave it everything. It was magnificent but I just couldn’t see her doing it 8 shows a week.
Jodie then was a safe, assured, mature Nancy. She sang all her songs beautifully, she did a great duet with ‘Oliver’ and she was just great. A safe pair of hands.
I still worry about teaming her with the right Bill Sykes though.
Have Your Say
What do you think? Is Jodie the right choice for Nancy?
I have watched the whole series and have voted for Jodie every week. She is fabulous and in my opinion, she is everything Nancy should be. I would definitely go and see her in the West End.
Well done Jodie, and good luck to you, you so deserve it you are a natural entertainer.
Regards and best wishes
Jenny from Hampshire
I think it was a travesty and a real shame that Jessie did not win. She was destined to be Nancy and had an amazing emotional quality far and beyond Jodie. She could tuoch your heart and break it with her soul. Jodie just belted out song after song in the usual way. There is still 6 months to train for the role and Jessie would have been amazing. Jodie is safe but does not have anywhere near the star quality that Jessie has. Who wants safe in the West End, that’s just boring and average. That is why Cameron Mackintosh, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Barry Humphries (the people who really know what they’re talking about in this field) all felt the same and knew that Jessie had something special. Myself, friends and family were all looking forward to booking tickets to see Jessie in Oliver but will now be cancelling that as Jodie just does not have any star appeal. Jessie is special. Jodie is average.
What a bitter post from Michelle and so mean spirited! You do actually need safe in the West End as what you DON’T is a leading lady who cannot do 8 consistent performances a week, which is what we would get from Jessie. I never once believed any of her emotions and I suspect that what you were being blinded by was her age. There are other issues with Jessie. 1. – She will never manage the accent, and yes she could be an Irish Nancy, but how does that work when all the songs are Cockney. It would be really odd to sing in a Cockney accent and then talk Irish. 2. She is too young and does not have the emotional experience.
Now as for Jodie – she has the best voice of all the Nancy’s, she never put a foot wrong in any of her songs. She has the power and consistency to give everyone a good show EVERY performance. She is mature and honest.
Jodie was and always will be Fantastic Fantastic Fantastic! Her singing of Send in the clowns reduced me to tears. She has been the underdog from the word go and has proved herself at every stage. Cameron Mackintosh should stop being a bitter old queen and accept the fact the public want Jodie and after all it is the public that will make him Richer! So she is a bit of a big girl, get over it Cameron! I thought his comments towards Jodie were a disgrace. Jodie has worked hard at every challenge set before her and she truly deserves winning. How many times was Jodies in the sing off? None! She always gave good performances as to Jessies somewhat awful performances at times. Jessie has talent yes but she is still young, I am sure her time will come but for now Jodie deserves all the credit! From the moment she walked in to that audition threw off her shoes and said Oh sod it I took an instant like to her and wanted her to go all the way and she did. Well done Jodie, keep believing in yourself, dont let the negative comments get you down, you will be amazing! See you on the opening night!
Hi Ian,
Thank you for your post. I am not bitter just being honest. I don’t think you have the vision to see what an amazing Nancy Jessie would have been. She also has as much stamina as Jodie BUT wth the elusive star quality as well. As I said why would the people with the real insight and experience (Andrew-Lloyd Webber, Cameron Mackintosh and Barry Humphries) all agree that Jessie was by far the best Nancy who possessed the ’sacred flame’. Yes Jodie was a nice, bubbly Northern girl, but what whout her stong Northern accent, that dosn’t sound very Nancy in my eyes if we’re talking accents. Jessie was robbed and I think Cameron Mackintosh, who’s musical it actually is, was pretty gutted with the result. I’ll go and see it is if Jessie takes over the role one day.
Well said Ian!
Hi Mike and Michelle,
I wonder if the public had been more aware that the I’d Do Anything winner is only playing four shows a week in the first instance it might have impacted on the result?
What do you think?
Jessie would, in my opinion, have made a much more interesting Nancy. There’s no denying that Jodie will be good, but she will bring nothing new to the part, whereas Jessie would have, in her own words, “redefined the role”. I think Cameron Mackintosh and Andrew Lloyd Webber were right when they said she was only inconsistent because of the material she was given. Had she won, she would have had 6 months to work on Nancy’s songs therefore would have gone on to sing them all perfectly. I’m hoping desperately that they let Jessie take over as Nancy for a few weeks, as they did with Lewis in “Joseph” last year. But whatever happens, everyone must agree that someone as talented as Jessie has a great future ahead of her.
As a theatre director I actually do have a lot of vision. I have an excellent track record my own productions and in picking the winners in all three TV shows so far. I selected Connie, Lee and Jodie ALL from the auditions. The point with Jodie is that she CAN do a Cockney accent and well.
Yep, you are not alone. I blubbed at Send in the Clowns too. In fact Jodie was the only one who reduced me to tears more than once.
Jodie was always going to be the public choice I think.
Careful voice coach work could sort out the accent, but you can’t fake life experience and understanding. That’s where Jodie really wins, I think.
I’d really like to see Jessie in two or three years. She is going to be amazing but she isn’t there yet.
This was the case regardless of who won. It is not something they have put up because Jodie won.
Hi Linda,
That’s a very good point. I think it could have made a difference but I suppose in principal a leading lady should have the potential and capcity to perform up to 8 shows a week. My point is that I felt, with another 6 months to go anyway, that Jessie, although younger would have been able to step up to the mark and deliver a far more intruiging and sparkling performance than Jodie. I’m not against Jodie but just felt her performances, although very competent and conistsent, did not offer anything new and exciting to a role such as this. Regarding Jessie, I was not seduced by her age at all, as Ian suggests, I myself am early 40’s so in principal should have been supporting the more mature contender. I could just see the true shining star was Jessie who was made for the role of Nancy. This is also what Cameron, Lloyd Webber and Barry Humphries could see also and these people are after the ones with the most experience here. It is arrogant to suggest cameron is being an ‘old queen’. I feel people in these positions deserve some respect and do actually know what they are talking about. Jessie should have won.
I totally agree. This is nothing to do with Jodie the information has been available for weeks.
But during the show everyone kept saying “8 shows a week” and that might have affected the public vote.
That’s just stupid — Jessie is a good singer, but she can’t move and her acting is atrocious. Gwion really saved her during Truly Scrumptious, and he’s what, ten? Nancy only has one solo, and the rest of the part is down to good acting. Jessie has awful diction and can’t manage the accent — and no, you don’t change the part to make it easier for a poor actress, you cast someone capable of doing the role, and Cameron Mackintosh is an idiot for not seeing that.
I think that is a contract clause because, let’s face it, if Jessie HAD won it would have been unfair to make her do 8 shows a week and ruin her voice. Connie was only going to do 6 shows a week when she won, and then it went up to 8 once they knew she could do it
I think that Jodie was a very well deserved Nancy.All her perfomances were great and she have never been in the sing off.She won because of her talent as well as her likeable prsonality.It was cruel of saying her as a big girl and not a nancy.
Can I remind people to moderate their insults please? Name calling does nothing to advance your case and could lead to your comments being edited.
I warmed to Jodie at the auditions too (Northern solidarity) but I feel she has grown tremendously in the last few weeks.
Her voice at present is simply not up to the demand that will be placed on it. It would be a crime to damage it before she has had the chance to develop it properly. She is very talented yes, but she needs more time to develop it and with the right coaching her time will come and I am sure one day will be an excellent leading lady but putting it simply, she is not ready for it at this moment in time as was shown during her performances over the past weeks that were very up and down.
This is a prime example of why the public shouldn’t have the final say. It is rather like the Eurovision song contest, everyone in Blackpool get out there and vote, again and again, it doesn’t matter if you’ve seen the programme or not. The Irish vote was always split in previous weeks. It must be extremely frustrating for Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron MacIntosh but that’s the price you pay for publicity.
I first watched I’d do anything the night that Jodie sang Send in the Clowns. I cried. However, it was clear to me, from the first show, that Jessie was a favourite with the Andrew and when she sang The Man who got away, she almost became mine but she was just too young and, dare I say it, not quite genuine enough. I really believe she will be a big star one day but I don’t think this was her time. With Lord Andrew and Sir Cameron loving her so much, she isn’t a loser, indeed, after the six months contract Jodie has won, Jessie may well find herself playing Nancy anyway. Good luck to her but I think the right person won tonight.
Apologies for the old queen remark. However some of the remarks he made to Jodie in respect of her size were far more insensitive and insulting, and to me he came across as bitter especially by the dig he made ” I am thrilled for Jodie”. May be he should have shown Jodie a bit more respect! If he does not like the result he only has himself to blame. If he wanted the likes of Jessie for the role then he should of never agreed to cast the role in this way. As it is he has now had three months free publicity for the show and I am sure regardless of who had won, the ticket sales will go through the roof as the did with Sound of Music and Joseph. He agreed to cast the role this way and so now he must live by the consequences and accept the choice of the public for the role.
Agreed!
I’m gutted Jessie didn’t win, she was always my Nancy from the start and think she had something that Jodie didn’t – a unique rawness for a start. However, that is not to say I dislike Jodie and don’t think she will do well. I do hope that they give the other four shows a week to Jessie, as Jodie only gets four at the moment. I thought her Truly Scrumptious was brilliant and all her solos and her part in Maybe This Time were absolutely stunning. She has that world class quality ALW and Cameron wanted, and I think it showed in both their faces that they were gutted she didn’t win. I do think though that it’s awful Cameron suggested Jodie might be too big to play the role, it’s ridiculous. She has a fantastic figure. Jessie should have won though!
Tickled pink that Jodie won. I thought she had the best, most consistent and most reliable voice all the way through. Her size is a slight concern in that Nancy is a vulnerable character but this is one up for the larger lady.
I didnt like Jessie – she was trying far too hard for me and was gushing when interviewed. The accent is an issue- I wouldnt want to pay to listen to a Nancy with an irish accent. Jessie is also an extremely one-dimensional actress with lots of jerky movements, strange facial expressions, and stares into the far distance. Poor really.
Have to say my favourite was Rachel – she had a good voice, good movement and was the best actress by far, showed all the emotions including the vulnerability. Very disappointed that she didnt make the final.
Finally, I also thought the behaviour of Andrew-L-W and Cameron macintosh was appalling. They had cooled on Jessie over the previous 4 wks but suddenly last night made every attempt to promote her as their champion – clearly an anti-Jodie measure. So really pleased the public put them in their place.
Maybe not so much the small-time girl from Blackpool appearing out of the woodwork – here’s Jodie’s official website:
http://www.jodieprenger.tv/
i have always backed jodie.
she has such a strong powerful voice.
she really deserves this prize.
i will deffinatley be going to see her live!
sam and jessie were also very talented, jessie had an amazing voice and sam amazingly gorgeous in herself and her voice but they didnt get the public vote. jodie truly deserved this honour!
well done
Jodie was in the words of JB Fantastic Fantastic Fantastic! Ever since her audition when she waled in the room, threw off her shoes and said “Oh sod it” I knew she was destined for this role. Her performances have been fantastic week in week out reducing me to tears with her sing “Send in the clowns” Jodie has worked hard and risen to the challenges set her. That is why not once during the series did she appear in the sing off. She has overcome negativity and insult especially about her weight and size. On that note some of the comments made to her by CM were rather un called for. She has always been the underdog and has risen to every challenge. Thats what has made her a favourite in the view of the general public. She will make a fantastic Nancy and I can not wait to see her perform the role. Jessie was good and with out doubt has a great deal of talent, however she was simply not ready for the role. It would of been criminal to allow her to perform with the risk of causing damage to her voice. With coaching and a bit more experience I am sure without doubt she will make it to the West End soon especially as ALW and CM both liked her to the point of trying to tell the public this is the one we want vote for her! If CM wanted Jessie for the role then he should not have agreed for the role to be cast in such a manner as this but in the more conventional manner. As it is he really has no right to complain about who won as this was all of his own making by allowing the public to choose in the first place. He knew the gamble and must now live with the consequence. As it is despite her not being his favourite I am sure there will be no doubt she will make a superb Nancy and I am sure ticket sales for this show will go through the roof as they did with Sound of Music and Joseph. Good luck Jodie and do not let the negative stop you givig it your all as you have done so consistently over the weeks. The best girl did win!
Jodie so deserved 2 win it!!! i am irish but i just hated Jessie i thought she stunk on ice!!!!!
jodie nailed d accent whereas jessie just mucked it up!
I agree wit EVERYTHIN Laura said!
Jodie is Nancy!!!
Jodie is Nancy!!!
Jodie is Nancy!!!
Jodie is Nancy!!!
Then it went down to six after Connie became ill. It was evident she was unable to cope doing eight shows a week. Aoife, one of the runner-ups of HDYSAPLM, came in as the alternate performing two shows a week and she is a brilliant one at that, performing those two shows a week on her own merits. People actually go to see HER as Maria as well as seeing Connie as Maria. This is the norm in West End shows. Phantom has two Christines alternating in the role. I think Jessie may get the role of alternate in the future. Who knows?
i think it is an absolute travesty that Jessie didn’t win, she was by far and away the best. Jodie is just soo cabaret and the word ‘naff’ epitomises her just perfectly. I won’t be going to see it now, and would have gone to jessie. I reckon they’ll be giving Jodie a v. short contract, possibly even sack her within the first 6 months, although she’s v. resilient it will be tough getting her out of that position. But she should step down, go back to Blackpool towers, and marry her fiance. Jessie should have won, i just don’t see anything in jodie
i really thought jodie deserved to win
but sam was still really good i did not like jessie at all she was to shaky anyway jodie is nancy
. I was so sorry to se Jessie lose. She was by far THE BEST Nancy.Ian you must be blind if you couldn’t see the emotions in this girl’s face. Jessie is a good singer but not for that role. I wont be going to see the show now.
I have watched nearly every series of I’d do anything and im realy happy for Jodie because she deserved the part, she seems to be the most confident and she had the right personality for nancy and the right attitude, voice when she sings, i will hope to she her at the show and good luck to her and congratualtions xxxx
I cant believe what some people are saying about Jodie, she has a talent to move a person when she sings unlike some and that what come across when they sing a song. Jessie will be good in a few year behind her, but to me right now when she sing she goes though the emotions without the experience and feelings which you need and that to do her age…… if The Lord and Camrom where not happy with Jodie winning Nancy why put her though in the frist place if the Lord knew Jodie might win it……. Also refrence to Jodie size wht tosh she is a size 14 and the other girls mush be at least 10 and 12, are we now saying size 14 is big?…… people are going mad please tell me.
I completely agree with you. I was so looking forward to seeing Jessie in the West End and found Jodie slightly boring. I was devestated that she didn’t win. Is she going to be the understudy?
I live in the north of Scotland but would gladly have travelled to see Jessie. What she could do was move me and Jodie despite her powerful voice and range couldn’t.
I wish Jodie well but look forward to seeing Jessie in something sometime soon
What’s your point?
There is actually only 1 tower in Blackpool
I would just like to comment on what anne said. Jodie probably did have all of blackpool voting again and again but if she didn’t have the support from masses of others she wouldn’t have won coz jessie would have had the WHOLE of ireland (a lot more ppl than in blackpool!) Everyone is entitled to their opinion and if you dont like jodie – dont go and watch her in the show. i personally wanted her to win and thought jessie was too arrogant for someone of her age, she would always answer back to any critisism but was very awkward when performing and often the judges comments were valid. i felt really sorry for jodie as the two people she would be working with didn’t want her for the role and it seems just because she was a bit bigger they couldn’t see her fitting in to todays society, however she is a great role model for anyone. The public defo got it right!!!
I’ve never really understood how Jessie could have redefined the role.
Making Nancy a few years younger doesn’t really alter much, and really neither does changing her accent (especially if you’re only changing it because the actor can’t do cockney). They’re just characteristics of a person which have nothing to do with their talent, and can’t be changed or developed. It’s like saying an actor with a different hair colour can redefine a role.
Redefining the role is about an actor’s different interpretation of the character – something I don’t really believe any of the the three finalists would have done. The person I thought could have maybe redefined the role is Rachel – she had this dark look in her eyes which made the portrayal a bit more sinister and realistic. But audiences didn’t really want realistic – they wanted the warm, friendly Nancy we’ve come to know.
Also, with regard to the “star quality” debate – star quality to me is coping with every challenge, being able to pull off material which perhaps isn’t your greatest strength, and being consistently great, night after night. Jodie had that. Jessie did not. I think she’s a great singer, but just giving a great vocal performance (some weeks) is nowhere near enough, there’s so much more to musical theatre than that.
I agree – it is ridiculous that size is overshadowing talent. ALW and CM kept referring to 6 months to rectify Jessie’s accent – if size is really that important (and I think Jodie looked great as Nancy!) I’m sure it is more realistic to expect Jodie to lose a stone in 6 months than for Jessie to learn to act!
That was Jessie’s problem really – excellent singing voice but terrible actress. Even ignoring her Dick Van Dyke cockney accent, her “emotion” when singing was pure acting by numbers – I need to look upset now, so I’ll put my hand against my cheek – whilst Jodie acted from within her soul. Jessie’s renedition of the iconic song “As long as he needs me” was 100% overacting!
Michelle puts a lot of emphasis on Barry Humphries and co being the experts on musical theatre, but the biggest musical talent on that show was John Barrowman (he is an award winning Broadway star you know, life didn’t begin as Dr Who’s sidekick) and he was supporting Jodie, recognised the risk of Jessie’s acting & inconsistency and was genuinely thrilled with the result.
Well done to Jodie – I’m sure she will be great. I am also sure that Jessie has a great career ahead of her as a singer – just forget the acting love!
I agree entirely that Jessie was the best performer: I thought a musical should contain singing of the highest standard not second best!
Michelle, I agree with every word. Jodie is mundane. She will not be rembered in the part.
I disagree that Jodie should have won.
It should have been Jessie, she has new raw talent and would have brought a fresh perspective to the role of Nancy.
Jodie is very cabaret/cruise ship type singer
Cameron and ALW were obviously disappointed they both gave very caged answers.”She is the peoples choice” said ALW note he did not say his choice.
Cameron said “I’m happy for Jodie” when he really wanted to say that she is not the one I wanted for the role of Nancy
Still ticket sales will prove whether the public were right.
I would have gone to see Jessie but wont bother with Jodie. In fact go to any school performance of Oliver and you can expect to see the Jodie type.
2
“Michelle puts a lot of emphasis on Barry Humphries and co being the experts on musical theatre, but the biggest musical talent on that show was John Barrowman (he is an award winning Broadway star you know, life didn’t begin as Dr Who’s sidekick)”
GAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH, nearly fell off my chair!
Good one Al lol, you are right about that, Barry also seem to be not only just compare there voices but what they look like.. I think we should not forget Jodie is attractive woman.
people from ireland couldn’t vote
Unfortunately, the WHOLE of Ireland DID NOT have a vote. You need to get your information straight! I wish Jodie well, but Jessie IS a ’star’. Pity we in the Republic of Ireland weren’t allowed to vote.
I think Jodie will be brill, in the role of Nancy. Booked my tickets plus tickets for Bryn Terfals concert in n.wales where she will be singing
alongside John Barrowman. Yes Jessie was a good singer but I agree with others who have said she cant act. Whenever she tried the Cockney accent the Irish came through. I personally thought she should of gone weeks ago after a performance in which none of the words where audible. this was picked up by John and Denise.
Also for 2 such men as ALW and CM to show there hand before the votes were in was bad. Jodie did well to come back out and sing knowing that the Boss of her new show didn’t want her. How do you think Jessie would of reacted…badly i suspect as she couldnt handle criticism. So well done to Jodie go get em girl
I agree with everything you said Linda, I really wanted Jessie to win. If Jessie had been voted into third place instead of Samantha, then I would have liked to see Jodie win. I would also like to add that I think that John Barrowman was out of order the way he spoke to Jessie, I don’t think he liked her and wouldn’t have wanted her to win the competition however good she was. Denise van Outen wasn’t much better towards Jessie either. I hope that Jessie gets offers for other shows, she deserves it.
Who couldn’t vote?
Those who live in Southern Ireland?
Why not?
Jessie is from Co.Kerry isn’t she? So none of her friends, family, neighbours could vote for her??
I agree with your comments. Jodie will make a good Nancy and deserves her place. As for Jessie she will get her chance in the West End. I agree with comments made even by ‘The Lord” that Jessie was not consistant enough in her delivery. Some of the judges were swayed by the fantastic performance Jessie gave in trying to win but she lefy it a bit too late.
it is true that Jodie was never in a sing off but then again neither was Jessie, while i love Jodie i do think that Jessie would have made a slightly better Nancy. If you look at their performances over the series, yes Jodie was been consistant but Jessie had a few world class performances – The man who got away and one night only – and then the only reason she was critisized for the others was because they didn’t match up to the high standard that she herself had set.
No you can’t vote for bbc shows in ireland, although you can watch them. So unless her friends drove over the border to Nireland there would be no support. and kerry is along way from northern ireland!
Hi guys!
Here’s what I think. First of all let me first say what an amazing final that was, Liza Minelli, the singing the almost Nsancy’s final number- there are definate future starsrs amaing them such as Rachel, Samantha and Sarah to name a few. Now as the the result, I was rooting for both girls so when Jodie won I was pleased. The way I see it, she has an incredilbe voice and her acting is of a brilliant quality. She represents the maternal aspect as well as the fun loving aspect of Nancy and I know that she will be brilliant. She is a steriotypical Nancy who can deliver a great performance. However when they announced she won one of my first instincts was I’m pretty sure some people will be mad as they were rooting for Jessie,` and to be honest, its understable. Jessie was, as I understand one of the bookies favourite to win right from the start. She could easliy have Nancy with her good looks, apparent charm and beautiful vocal talents. But I think in the end of the day it comes down to the all important matter of consistency. Jessie has done some amazing performances while others have been just ok. She wasn’t consistent and to be a West End leading lady, you have to be able to deliver night after night. Take Wicked’s Kerry Ellis I’ve seen clips of her on youtube and seen her perform 3 times and each time she delivers a vocally amazing performance each night. That is what Jessie needs to keep in mind. I think she should giver herself a year or so to perfect her voice acting ect then audition for another show. I think by then she will be ready to tackle the challeenging life of a West End performer. Another thing is that runners up in these shows often get offered roles in other shows Ben James Eliis form Any Dream is now in Hairspray.
Also think, Jodie must have been the public’s favourtie for a reason. I say best of luck to Jessie, I know that she will be a West End leading lady soon as will Niamh, and congradulations to Jodie.
I Believed the role was jodies from the very first show mainly due to the blend of warmth and toughness she has.The motherly instincts she seems to have! Yes Jessie had a fantastic voice and i believe she will go far but she was not Nancy! I also felt that Rachel was cheated out of the final.Her performance in the sing off with Sam was better by far!
O and by the way,THE GIRL CAN SING WELL AND CONSISTANTLY !
Jodie is the best person for this role. I backed her from the start altough Jessie was very good in the beginning she lost it on more than one occassion and in my opinion became quite full of herself. Where as Jodie is extrovert and bubbly and that has been her character from day one. Good luck Jodie you deserve this and you are Nancy.
Go girl.
Do you really want to pay money to see someone who is not consistent and in my opinion would find at 18 hard to focus 8 times a week having said that give Jessie 2to 3years and you will hardly see her of the stage but that is then and this is now and has someone who spent several pounds on voting for Jodie it will be a real pleasure to see her
the answer to your question is did you vote and how many times YOU FORGET Jodie won because people wanted her to win so they spent money voting so if you did not vote dont grip your favourite did not win Jodie worked hard all through all the series you go girl
good on you
Anyone who saw this programme from the beginning, may remember that David Grindrod, the casting director had a doubt about Jodie, but he decided in his words to “take a punt” and put her through. He obviously saw something in her, and I reckon the public really warmed to her at the final audition when she reduced John and Denise into fits of helpless laughter. She then went on in my opinion, to get better week after week and for me was probably the most consistent of all the twelve Nancys, as she took on board all the comments she was given after each performance.
I love Jessie’s sparkiness, and she has an obvious talent, but like John Barrowman, I thought she seemed to fade slightly as the weeks went by.
Yes, Jodie is probably a safe pair of hands, but the West End theatre isn’t an experimental workshop, it’s where people pay a lot of hard-earned money to see good, solid and consistent performances. So, all in all, I reckon for all the Lord’s and Cameron’s doubts, the best girl won and I wish her every success for the future.
Jessie will be back, she’s far to good not to be figuring somewhere in the West End sometime soon I reckon.
Absolutley the right choice!
Jodie had it all, she worked incredibly hard through the series and I know she will do an excellent job in the West end as Nancy, she has the voice and looks to play her and of course what they were looking for – the life experience.
She puts 100% into all of her performances and I can’t wait to see her perform her dream role in the west end!
Michelle,
I don’t intend on causing any offence to you, but, please respect other people’s opinions, they have the right to express them. I would like to know what gives you greater insight than others on this comment board (this isn’t a “dig” and said with genuine curiosity).
Jessie will I’m sure have a bright future ahead of her, and congratulations to Jodie for winning the role. At the end of the day, Jodie will, I think, be a safer performer and more consistent than someone like Jessie.
Well done Jodie!! Another star is born!!
Hi ‘Anon’,
Thank you for your post. With all due respect I don’t think that I ever said that I had any more ‘insight’ than anyone else on the board. you obviously have not taken the time to read many of the other people who also agree that Jessie was the true star and the true Nancy. And please don’t forget that Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, cameron Mackintosh and Barry Humphries were also all of the same opinion and ‘insight’. I feel they dserve some respect with their track records behind them. Please may I ask what is yours?
Anyway, at the end of the day this is all totally objective to some degree and yes you are right we are all totally entitled to our own opinions. It’s always good to have a healthy debate I’m sure you will agree. My opinion was that Jodie was lovely and yes a very safe and consistent performer, I jusy don’t want to pay a lot of money for safe and consistent. That’s my choice and I’m sure you can respect that and I respect anyone else who chooses to think otherwise. Jessie is the true star and I’ll wait to pay to see her in the West End instead.
In my opinion, the biggest travesty of entertainment justice that I have seen in 30yrs..
Firstly I tip my hat to Jodie who won, and is not at fault for a lot of the heat she is getting from some quarters. In my view, yes she is a safe ‘vanilla’ bet. However to me, Jessie represented that sparkle and rawness of talent with a determind edginess that I thought the ‘new’ role of Nancy desperately required.
People have been critical accusing her of not being consistant. For me her only average performance was when she sang Aguillera’s ‘fighter’ and even that was not that bad. It’s a song that even the original artist herself struggles mightily with when performed live. I know as I have been there when she has sang it, and it wasn’t good. Culd you see Jodie singing fighter effectively? I think not..
In the book Nancy is around 18yrs of age, and at one point tries to pass herself off as Olivers sister. So in my opinion Buckley is not too young to play the part. Also in that century the mortality rate was very low for those that lived in those conditions of east end squalor, thereby re-inforcing Jessie’s selection as the ‘teenage streetwise prostitute’ living with the older violent man, and being forced to fend for herself from an early age. I am astounded that that has not been picked up on.
Jodie was in part I believe selected because of her personality. A loveable huggable emotional figure, who, don’t get me wrong has a great voice. But is for me too ‘celluloid’ and by that I mean nothing new. A safe bet based on a stereotype. These shows when they are re-done are supposd to re-invent themselves, it has only been 10yrs since Oliver was in the West end. This was the opportunity for something darker/fresher/newer.
ALW and CM saw that, the vanilla brigade that is the great british public who love a bit of a sob story unfortunately didn’t. I challenge anyone to watch again Jessie Buckleys ‘As long as he needs me’ from last nights show (youtube) and tell me, that an amazing opportunity wasn’t missed.
Still who am I in the infinate sea of opinion. AND what the hell am I going to do on Saturday nights now!?
Jessie you are THE winner in my eyes, your day will come (some suspect sooner than you may think!)
consistantsy
I am glad Jodie Prenger won last night but I don’t know why Andrew kept saying they had to do 8 shows a week, it is a complete lie, Jodie is only doing 4 shows. Monday, Tuesday night, Wednesday matinees and Friday nights. I hope this wasn’t done because they wanted Jessie to win, I bet Jessie will be her understudy and get the other 4 shows a week. I feel very sorry for Jodie, it must be hard starting a show knowing Andrew and Cameron didn’t want her.
i mean the WHOLE of Northern Ireland quite obviously still a lot bigger than blackpool!!! so clearly the majority of the public wanted jodie and i don’t blame them i do not see how jesse has star quality, she is so wooden and although she can sing could not hold an audience with her lack of acting ability!
I think Jessie’s performances would have become consistent and She is not “too young” for Nancy, Jodie is too old; Dickens’s Nancy was only 17 or 18. And her Irishness wouldn’t be impossible either. Who says the songs are “cockney”, they could just as easily be London irish.
Basically, the public has displayed a taste for supermarket-style bland “ready meals” rather than full-flavoured,free-range, organic deliciousness. I know which one would have me saying “I want some more”!
I get the feeling that in a few years’ time we’ll be saying “Jodie who?” as we fight to see Jessie. She’s the one who people will write shows for as Jodie vanishes off onto the pantomime circuit!
Jodie was my winner from her very first performance, she has been consistent throughout, got life experience, fantastic voice and personality, has never been in the “sing off” she deserved to win despite the comments from Sirs ALW and CMac, what a shame she will only be doing 4 performances a week and not the 8 that we have been lead to believe, all I can say is I hope Jessie doesn’t get the other shows as she could never make a believable Nancy.
No matter wat anyone else says Jodie “You are Nancy” good luck enjoy yourself you WILL be a star!!
i said jodie would be nancy from her first audition she has it all gorgeous as well….i now feel very sorry for her as macintosh clearly wanted jessie to win ..so could make jodies life now very difficult,jodie was always going to be nancy jodie is nancy and shes
BRILLIANT!
BRILLIANT!
BRILLIANT!
good luck jodie i have my tickets for next march see you then.
Jodie deserved to win outright, Sam was good but too young, nancy wasn’t the right role for her and as for Jessie, so overated, she screached when she hit a high note trying to compete with Jodie, She is very fake and immature, never liked her all through the competition, so I was pleased that Jodie won, excellent choice!!
Without a doubt – Jessie was the correct choice. She more closely fits with CD’s description in the book and it the more talented. I agree she is ‘raw’ and needs to be mentored and coached – but this, for me, is her very appeal. I loved her edginess as did ALW and CM (and let’s face it, if they don’t know how to pick a winner, who does??) and I adored her performances.
Jodie on the other hand, whilst proficient, bored me senseless. She reminds me of Jane MacDonald. I just cannot understand the Great British Public, maybe they were against Jessie because she was so Oirish. Either way, I predict that that in a year or so from now, Jessioe will have given as many Nancy performances as Jodie. Frankly, they should have just split the role anyway and gave the two finalists a rotating shot, then everyone would have been happy, bets could have been hedged and the risks reduced.
By the way, much as I love him as Captain Jack, is there now a law that says that professional gay John Barrowman must be in all Saturday evening programmes. And he is sooooo over the top in everything – gets right up my nose.
Pip pip!
Jodie safe and uninspired.
One more bit part actress.
Great opportunity missed. Jessie would inspire many hot blooded male leads. Shame only male lead on the panel appears to be at time in his life when he wants to play safe !!!
Very few people will go to Oliver to see Jodie.
Jodie looks and sounds as if she could knock any Bill Sykes for six, whereas Nancy was vulnerable.
Soon forgotten production unless the rest of the cast can compensate.
Jodie was dull, pure and simple. I was all for booking tickets to go and see the show with my 6yr old daughter, but I’m certainly not paying to see someone who doesn’t look right for the role, can sing but is nothing special and who bored me senseless from about week 3.
Totally agree with Marcus’s comment about John Barrowman too, all he did for 10 weeks was complain about how Jessie couldn’t be Nancy cos she ’sounds Irish’, yet ALW and Cameron choose an Oliver who couldn’t be more Welsh when he sings if he tried. No consistency in the comments
Jodie is good singer and a nice performer. I liked her performances a lot however on Jessie on Saturday was quite simply phenomenal. How can one justify opening voting lines for a talent competition before the performers have even started to sing – and incidentally close them within seconds of Jessie’s final number i.e. not even long enough to get form chair to telephone let alone vote? In Britain’s Got Talent the voting did not open until all the acts have performed – making sure that the audience give at least some consideration to the performance they witnessed and do not get totally wrapped up in voting for a skilfully delivered back story [which is not what they will be paying £50 to see on the West End] – and the raw edgy talent won on ITV.
Steve in Leics
Do you not think it a generation choice?
I am in my 50’s and voted for Jodie from the beginning, she is more in the mould of Georgia Brown, ( I think the stage role was wrote for her) and maybe it younger people who preferred Jessie. I agree Jessie has a great voice, but as both John and Denise commented a few times, she is very wooden in her movements, and lifitng the hands whilst singing is not the show of emotion.
We will never all agree on who won, but if ALW and Cameron are not happy who the general public picked, they should stop using the BBC (and our TV licence fee) to fund their auditions.
PS Also agree with Marcus, I sure BBC now means
Barrowman Broadcasting Company
Totally agree, John Barrowman is so Annoying, Annoying, Annoying!. It was pretty obvioius he had the director in his ear piece “cue Barrowman” then he turned on the waterworks,and fondled Denise’s hand for the cameras. When he mentioned himself as a leading man, working with the girls. -I thought you’d be lucky. they are far too good for him.
On separate note- Jessie definitely deserved to win. Lets hope she is the understudy or takes over from Jodie.
Actually I couldn’t really care less who won and wouldn’t go to see it whoever was in it. I prefer to go to performances where the stars have been chosen by those who know what they are talking about, not the general public. OK, Jodie wasn’t just chosen by Blackpool, she was chosen by those would could relate to her size, her brashness, her accent and her blubbing.
Gutted so disappointed Jessie never won
I will not be going with my teens and hubby to watch the show now.
It cost s alot to actually stay and view a show in London I wonder if Blackpool fans will put there money where their mouth is and go and see the show – we are not talking 25p a go votes more like £100 +
including travel.
only a new Nancy would get me to part with serious family budget
that was to see jessie and her Olivers
sorry
I am so glad that Jodie won she was genuine from the start and took the rude comments on the chin and got on with it. Jessie played the sympathy card all through the contest and her tears at each weekly vote when she got though really showed her immaturity.
I think it is totally unfair if Ireland could not vote, I am sure Jessie would have won, her style of dancing and acting was very natural and liked all of her actions. I do hope Jessie gets a part of playing Nancy in my eyes she was perfect and was also great with Oliver. Good luck to Jodie, but I don’t think it was a fair vote, especially if Ireland could not vote. Blackpool could have voted lots of times.
Loved watching you Jessie and hope all works out for you. Bye Jean
I also meant to say what a cruel and tactless man Cameron is. How to destroy someones confidence in one nasty lesson. I bet he doesn’t have many genuine friends or people that actually like him.
It doesn’t matter what we think, the expressions on the faces of ALW, Cameron Macintosh and Barry Humphreys said it all, especially CMs remark “he was delighted for Jodie”. They’re the musical business pro’s who know what “sells”. It was evident that the two younger celeb judges and three big name judges were split down the middle for the past three weeks.
All three girls in the final were excellent and all three would make excellent Nancies in different ways. Well done Jodie. I suspect Sam and Jessie are real discoveries and will go far. Niamh who was not quite a nancy was a real discovery, may go far in pop and could end up being the biggest success out of this show which we enjoyed so much. Great entertainment show for all the family, exactly the type of TV for a Sat and Sun night. Well done BBC.
As a supplement to my previous comments… if the BBC exclude the Irish from voting (must be some legal thing, which makes a mockery of ‘were all one under the EU’), then perhaps they should exclude foreigners taking part – which is what Jessie technically is.
Clearly, if the Irish could have voted, then Jessie would be arranging her rehearsal schedules right now… (and I wouldn’t be so p*ssed off)!
I am trying to be objective here as I had no favourite between Jodie and Jessie. They were two totally different styles of Nancy. But those of you who preferred Jessie may like to consider the following points.
1. I was not aware either that the winner would only be definitely contracted to 4 performances a week. I am willing to bet that the vast majority of people voting didn’t realise that. The result may well have been different if ALW et al had not kept repeating “8 performances a week.”
2. Although the public voted Jodie as Nancy, Cameron Mackintosh clearly wanted Jessie instead. I agree with Linda. His comment “I’m thrilled for Jodie” would sound an alarm bell with anyone who has done any study of what people REALLY mean when they say certain things.
3. If he did indeed want Jessie, that means Jodie is starting from a very poor position. She is going to need to prove herself more. She may well succeed. I don’t know, as I said I am unbiased. But from her point of view this is not an auspicious start.
4. Cameron Mackintosh is a VERY powerful man. If he wants Jessie, and she still wants the part, she will eventually get it. I don’t know if Nancy’s understudy (who may or may not be the person to do the remaining 4 shows a week) has been contracted yet, but I bet CM approaches Jessie sooner or later (if he has not already done so.)
5. None of us has seen Jodie’s contract I guess. I bet CM has clauses in there that we don’t know about!
So basically, Jodie needs to really shine to impress CM now, and Jessie should not be written off. Anyway, that’s my thoughts for what they are worth.
Good letter Paul; I agree; I would have travelled from Belfast to see Jessie, but not Jodie, even though she is a fine performer she just didn’t have that ‘raw’ appeal of Jessie. But good luck to them both!
Hi All
Wow – seen the latest news? Just heard – Jodie will play both performances on Saturdays making 6 shows a week. What do you think?
I’d had my eye on Jodie pretty much from the start, like people have said, she stood out as the most natural Nancy in the same way that in the Maria show, the girl who won was pretty much channeling Julie Andrews from the start. Jessie I didn’t rate at the beginning, but she had pulled herself up a lot and by the time it came to the final it was definitely between those two, so as talented as Sam was it felt right when she was the first to go.
I’ve actually had the honour of performing in the chorus of Oliver on the stage, a long time ago now! But for this reason more than any other I have an affection for this musical, and I’m glad the two finalists were so good, both worth seeing. I couldn’t really choose between them, as they were so different there was no direct comparison to easily draw. Jodie was maternal and brought that “tart with a heart” quality to Nancy that we’ve seen before. Jessie would’ve been a Nancy we haven’t seen before, a kind of scrappier, younger, “big sister” character.
That said, I think the quality of their acting separated them more than the singing. Since mastering the accent, Jessie seemed to have a more natural gritty style, which put her ahead. Jodie was still coming across a bit cabaret, but then she’d had no formal training and 6 months is easily long enough to bed into the role and loosen up her acting skill.
The final rendition of As Long As He Needs Me, I agree with the criticism that Jodie seemed to play it safe, she’s certainly thrown herself into similar songs with more gusto and she seemed to be running on about 90%. Still phenomenal to listen to though, I don’t mean that to detract from her talent, just I’m sure we’ve not seen the best of her yet.
Jessie in some ways was at an advantage coming second because she knew what she had to do to try and top that performance. Did she do it? Partly. She seemed to act it better, and the final few phrases were breathtaking – she clearly put 110% into the ending, and gave it everything she could. I’m not claiming to be an expert here, but there’s no way in a million years you could deliver that performance for any amount of time though – you’d kill your throat in a month. It’s like swimming the channel in the fastest time by not conserving any strength to swim back.
In the end I think either girl could’ve taken it and been a great Nancy but I’m actually glad Jodie won in the end. Jessie was fantastic but I disagree with CM, Jodie *is* Nancy, and I really hope she comes out in 6 months and really proves that.
Finally, I have to just add that I think CM’s comment was a little mean spirited, if only because he’d made a big deal out of saying that all three girls were so good earlier in the show. I REALLY hope that they make the best of Jodie in the mean time, because at the end of the day if they’d wanted the casting vote they didn’t have to ask the public what they wanted.
Hear hear Marcus
I am thoroughly fed up of Boring, boring, boring, Barrowman
He sulked when Rachel got voted off because thats who Denise and himself really wanted (Coincidence that Rachel’s boyfriend is a theatre director, the sam e coincidence that Denise is going out with Lee Meads)
I’m glad their plans were scuppered Barrowman hasnt had a good word for Jessie and if he thinks Jodie is the bees knees then it doesn’t say much for his taste
Jodie was consistent in one thing boring and blandness
Cameron should plan on putting Jessie as Nancy lets see who pulls in the most ticket sales
Also agree unfair to pitch someon in an event when her fellow countrymen cannot vote for her
Whats with the BBC?
I am so glad Jodie won! I just bought my tickets today which are selling out fast!!! I thought it was so unfair how Jodie was treated on the final show, ALW and CM were completely influencing the vote wanting Jessie for Nancy. I thought Jessie was given better songs in her solo (getting to sing a ballad and sing last) and her duet which was an actual duet sang to children. Singing in the rain isnt a duet. And it was interesting how Jessie didnt move for her solo performance, obviously been told not to move!!!!!! And i find it disgraceful that CM brought up Jodie’s weight as an issue! I wish Jodie good luck and I cant wait to see her!
Just a few comments, Jodie was the best Nancy by far, Jessica’s problem is that although has a great voice she could not take direction she was told time and time again not fling her arms about to show enotion and not to clench her fist but there she was in the final still doing it. Despite what CM and ALW wanted it’s the public who buy the tickets that make a show a sucsess or not and the public voted for Jodie, and finally the people who have experience of what it takes to perform night after night, John Barrowman, Denise Van Outon, Lee Mead and even Liza Minelli all wanted Jodie and they must know what they are talking about, so well done Jodie we love you, just going to ring the box office to check which nights Jodie will be performing as no one else will be a patch on her
What is all this nonsense about Jessie not being able to take direction? Her act with the Oliver on Saturday was beautifully done. She lives the song and does not artificially act it. She may not be to Mr Barrowman’s liking and he obviously felt that if he repeated unfair criticism a lot then people would believe him. I suspect that he was uncomfortable in the presence of real raw talent. Steve
I agree that her rendition with the Oliver on Saturday was very well done, and I thought the best one out of the 3, but when as a performer you are given direction (and she was not only given it by John Barrowman) you go away and work at it and make sure you do not do it again and Jessica could not do that. I think that it is down to her lack of experience and age, don’t get me wrong i think that she is a great performer and that we be seeing more of her but Jodie was the perfect Nancy.
I think that Jessica did a great job of singing with Oliver, in fact I think that she was the best out of the 3 on that part of the show, but when you work as a performer any corrections (and it was not just John Barrowman who corrected her) you are given you go away and work on them to make sure that you never repeat them Jessica could not do that and repeated the same mistakes again and again, You can put that down to lack of experence and her age. I also did not like the fact that Jessica went for the sympthy vote with the fact that she had been turned down by 2 London stage schools well there is a reason for that the demand is so high that they can take the best from across the world, and they obviously did not think that she fitted into that categoryDon’t get me wrong I think that she is very talented and that we will be seeing a lot more of her but Jodie was the perfect Nancy.
People voted for the person they preferred. I think it is really naive to think that only people living in Blackpool voted for Jodie. Jodie was, let’s face it, far was better than Jessie. Personally, I couldn’t see what ALW was going on about when he said that Jessie was amazing, it almost appeared that he fancied her. As a drama teacher, I felt that Jessie was good but often her acting was unconvincing. I felt she tried too hard and for me it really didn’t work. I thought that Jodie was absolutely brilliant. I would pay to see her in the show, she gave every performance 100% and she put genuine emotion into them. Jessie needs to gain some experience. I am certain that a couple of years at Drama school, where she could learn her craft properly, would enable her to be a great performer in future. It is also dangerous for a young voice to be pushed to extremes at such a young age. I know of people who have damaged their voices due to pushing them too much too early.
I totally agree with this comment. Jessie did appear rather over-confident. She did constantly answer back, but because ALW said she was brilliant, a lot of people believed him. Rachel was brilliant, but was frequently ‘put down’ by ALW, quite unjustly I thought and people didn’t vote for her. Somehow, the ‘young girls’ were rarely given ‘adult criticism’. I always wonder in these shows how much the public are manipulated into believing what the judges/ALW want them to believe. Ultimately the public voted and they chose Jodie. The reason is because they liked her the best. If they chose her they will want to see her performing and that is all there is to it.
I think Jessie was far the best and I would have gone to see her in the show, not Jodie though, she is just too cabaret. Also, is she really only a size 14? She looks far more substantial than that to me – I know the camera adds a few pounds – if she is a standard size 14 I’m Charles Dickens! ( and yes it does matter for the role in my opinion)
Hang on!!!
Jessie answering back?! Going for the sympathy vote?!
What a load of rubbish!!
1. Jodie if ANYTHING spent most of the time in prequals and sub interviews in floods of tears, and when saved each week would bombard us with that god awfull “WHOOOOA, URRRRGH, AHER AHER”
From the mansion shoot to the very end. Look at it again and you will see what I mean. Besides all of the girls cried at some point anyway, and all had some form of back story..
2. When you are critisised by a judge on a show after a performance and the mic is then shoved in your face and your ASKED to respond, 10/10 people will. I didn’t think Jessie answered back discourteously at all!! She just wanted to know what to do better and she DID try. That is called desire and passion..
3. I am fed up with people going on about the drama school excuse to. It was mentioned once by Jessie during the auditions. Then she was twice asked by other people (David Grindrod and ALW) why she had been rejected . She never once brought it up after the call backs film, and only answered when asked. All of two times in 12 weeks! Yea really sounds like she was making a meal of it…..NOT.
People need to do their research before critsising..
At the end of the day, people will have their favourites, and nobody will be swayed to change their minds by anothers opinion. It would be retarded to even attempt to.
From a personal standpoint, I always seemed to have a sixth sense for the eventual winners for these sorts of things. Back when auditions were a closed shop, and not plastered all over the TV, I did have the good fortune to be able to hear Steve Balsamo audition for JCS in 1996. I tipped him to win that role as a result and he did. I always thought Lee Mead would win last years event before it got to the mid rounds and he became favourite..
This was the first time I had had that same gut feeling and same sense of being drawn to a particular performer. You know the feeling? You find yourself not being abe to take yours eyes/ears away from what they are doing. But will quite happily go out for a wee or a cup of tea when someone else is performing!
But Jessie didn’t win, and it was the first time I had experienced the sensation of loss on behalf of the artist….weird it was too.
I wanted something different this time round. As I say Oliver has only been away from the West end for 10 years, and these reproduced shows should be re-inventing themselves if they are to re-appear. I have nothing against Prenger she is a very talented performer and seems to be a lovely lady. Yes, she will play that ’safe’ Nancy role, but it’s one we have all seen before, and undoubtedly she will put a lot of bums on seats.
Just not mine…
Congratulations to Jodie! I was a supporter of hers since the first show.
As for Jessie – I have never witnessed such false emotions from somebody. So desperate to be adored to the point of being obnoxious. Her inconsistency let her down, and her stage presence lacked. Her movement was so wooden it was painful to watch. It was obvious from the outset that Jessie was the critics favourite – but they aren’t the ones buying the tickets. £3 million tickets for Oliver sold in just ten days show that Jodie really is the Nancy we wanted.
Jodie has it all – charisma, an amazing voice and boy, can that girl move!
Don’t know about that but I’VE GOT TICKETS TO SEE JODIE ON 26TH DECEMBER!!!!
Can’t wait to see Jodie – the best girl won and despite all the comments re CM being unhappy with her, it seems pretty obvious to me that they did get the girl they wanted – anyone who is ‘put down’ by the panel gets a huge sympathy vote.
There is too much money at stake to leave the final choice to the public; the ‘comments’ attributed to CM …. don’t they just make for more publicity…? This is the 3rd show of this kind – they know how to get the girl they want.
Come on, wake up and smell the coffee; Jodie was their choice from the start, which is why the brilliant Rachel was ousted as she was the only real competition to Jodie. Her peromanace of Cabaret was one of the best in the series, yet she lost out to bland Sam?
I’m just glad that chose the brilliant Jodie!
It is interesting to read the theories and comments,
If you look how the show itself was structured /directed on sat , it is a surprise jessie didn’t win, 1 ,giving jodie a fairly impossible take on a dusty song, givng jessie another ballad and making her sit still ,also lots of close up or sweeping long shots ,so her acting and arms wouldn’t show, then the duets [ sam was gone with singing in the rain ! when was that a duet ! ] luckily jodie did make hers work with warmth and eye contact ,jessie being able to pick him up and still sing isn’t acting but was convincing , then the comments , i had the feeling jodie knew [ CM ,ALW] didn’t want her.before the show and you could see ehr lose heart a little .The Liza piece was created so that she was almost edited out , I though it seemed liza loved her but they couldn’t show that
Jessie in her solo’s has not acted much, thorughout she has shook her fist ,looked sideways, stared out madly, but had no real interior life, she looks like a mezzotint of nancy but that is all, not the experience or emotional range of jodie .
strangely it’s almost impossible not to deliver a version of the man that got away without emotion i think that song was chosen to keep her in weeks ago,.it was always going to be a vote winner if anyone had sung it
On the size debate, check out how jodie looked on the biggest loser on youtube she is size 8 and looks like a movie star , so it shouldn’t be too diffcult to get that back if they make her and on her bubbly personality anyone who knows can see thats a bit of a mask, but who wouldn’t have had to create an over the top version of yourself when she was size 22.. and needed to keep going…..she’ll calm down..
Overall I just feel except for sarah and rachel, jodie was the only one who could connect an emotion to a word,and had that shiver in her voice that made you believe, hopefully i’ll get to the show ….and see whats what g.s.
I was so disappointed to see Jessie come second to Jodie. She has a vibrance and is a striking performer. I just loved her singing Truely Scrumptious with Gwion, just such a shame not to see these two together on stage in December when Oliver opens. I think the judges comments became so predicatable at the end, with Boring John Barrowman and Denise so biased towards Jodie. Jessie didn’t stand a chance with these two, Barrowman constantly trying to put one over on ALW became annoying. And to think that the Irish couldn’t vote for their Jessie…that is a sad state of affairs.
But this series was just fabulous to watch. The talent was fantastic. I just think it is a tragedy that Jessie didn’t win. She had a vulnerable side to her and a maternal side that Jodie didn’t have, Jodie was more matron like. I can’t imagine Jodie being frightened of Bill Sykes, it just doesn’t really fit. I think ALW and Cameron were obviously disappointed. I am sure we will see Jessie in the West End soon, I think she really is a superstar in the making.
oliver was from the midlands he walked to london to make his fortune….nancy was a good old cockney girl…not irish and not a welsh oliver…sorry but these are the facts and how lional bart cast his musical oliver…………..
You know I was just thinking, maybe we shouldn’t be juding Jodie jsut yet. I mean she has six months and the way I see it anything can happen she could be an amazing Nancy, that brings audiences to stadning ovations virtuslly every night, she could be an ok Nancy like I’m sorry to say Connie Fisher was as Maria, or she could be an awful Nancy in which case Jessie fans will be satified as her poor performance will probably affect the whole show and cause many a bad review from the critics. We’ll have to wait and see, Jodie could singinficantly improve in six months.
As for Jessie fans, like I said before don’t worry, there are other roles in the West End apart from Nancy you know. I could see Jessie as Sally Bowles in Cabaret, Rizzo in Grease, Elphaba/Nessarose in Wicked or Roxie Hart in Chicago. So don’t worry this isn’t the end for her. Ok? So don’t fret. An offer will come along, I promise. She’s got the publicty so know theatre directors will be begging her to work for them and as one door closes another opens this could be Jessie’s big oppertuity.
Jessie should have definitely won and I think it was a travesty! Jodie was good but I think she looks abit too mature and too old to play Nancy which looses the rawness and reality of Nancy! I think that Dickens would have wanted Jessie to have played it as ALW she is more close to the part than Jodie. Despite Jodie winning I still think that Jessie hasn’t reached her peak yet and will do so she’ll get more and better parts than Jodie. Oh and you cant say she got an advantage of going last, it means that people who were deciding on the night who to vote for, didnt get as many votes for her if they chose her! I know that ALW or Cameron will give her a part because they adore and it wouldn’t be justice to let someone of such talent to just go away.
Why don’t you guys give Jodie a chance you never know in these next six months she may become your idea of Nancy/ a very good Nancy. I’m a hard core theatre lover and believe me I’m not showing any favourtism towards Jodie, if she turns out to be rubbish I will say so, but I’m still giving her a chance. Cause in the end JODIE won I’d Do Anything, JODIE is going to be Nancy when Oliver! opens next year and no matter how much you moan or angrily say she is too cabaret and Jessie should have won, that is just how it is. Jessie is not going to be Nancy at least not yet but you never know another oppertunity may arise and she may offer to play a Nancy but till then, your stuck with Jodie,I’m afraid.
I think that many people disagree Jodie is not a good Nancy because she is not that young and she is quite big.But i think that she was the perfect Nancy from show 1.
No matter she is big she have done so well and she was very strong vocally.She took all the challanges from the judges and did it perfectly.
She had the emotions,voice and a great personality.
Glad Jodie won.
Sorry Rolande I couldn’t see any emotion in Jessie’s face. I thought she was very wooden and only once in a while did I like her voice. More often than not I would listen to the first bit of her song and then fast forward it as I couldn’t bear to watch or listen to her. Denise was right in saying she was awkward in her movements. Maybe it’s because she is young yet and needs experience but I would definitely not pay to go and see her – yet.
The part just wasn’t hers, it was Jodie’s and I would have put Rachel in the running too if she hadn’t been voted out by ALW last week.
am fed up with people who keep moaning about Jessie not winning and she the best……well she did not win just move on…. I am happy she did not, however I did think she was not a bad singer but their were times when she sang she would scream and she would over act when singing a song…..maybe when she gets few year behind her she will be good. Jodie will be a good nancy, but keep saying the reason she won was because she is safe is rubbish….she is just a good singer who shows her feeling well with singing ballards and etc, nobody will know untill she start being Nancy in the show how good she will be……ALW and CM should get on with the job and expect Jodie as Nancy… And remember it was the public who voted for her not them, we are the ones who will paying their wages.If they were not happy with the public choice they should have not done the show in the frist place….John/denise/lee/seem to agree with the public choice……
kay, hastings
I can’t understand why people are so keen on Jessie. She has obvious potential but she was no way near as good as Jodie. I think that it is really sad that people are being so unpleasant about Jodie. Yes she did cry at times but so did Jessie and I thought that Jessie was going to implode when she lost, she really couldn’t contain herself. Of course she was upset, but when you compare her respose to Sam’s, it was pretty uncontrolled. Let’s face it, the past few weeks would have been a roller-coaster ride for all of the girls and it is no wonder that emotion spilt out in the live TV shows.
I think that Jodie was perfect for the role. I will pay to go and see her and will probably take a coach load of my students too. I honestly wouldn’t be doing that if Jessie had won.
With regards to Saturday night’s performances , it was obvious that Jessie was given the ‘best’ Oliver to work with and the easiest song. Gwion was lovely and really gave a lot to the performance. I am sure that Jessie would have found him a joy to work with. Poor Sam had a terrible song to do and obviously had difficulty working with her Oliver. ‘Getting to Know you’ is a nice song but Jodie’s partner didn’t give much to the performance, Nevertheless, Jodie was great and managed to make the song work for both of them. (ALW said she did really well) Jodie has clearly shown that she will be superb on stage with the orphans.
Congratulations to Jodie. I picked her out as having something special right at the beginning. She was consistently good and she has star quality!
Oh dear Steve. How misguided you are. Jodie was amazing. John Barrowman had worked with Jessie and knew that she wasn’t very good on the acting tasks. She wasn’t particularly good. She tried very hard and had a lot of ‘gutsy grit’ as a contestant, but she would benefit by developing her acting skills. She is still very young and very inexperienced. She will probably develop into a great performer but she’s not there yet
Jodie is Nancy in my opinion.
Sorry Michelle but I agree with the person who thinks you are a very bitter person!
Firstly the voting public has made THEIR choice -as with the Joseph’s and Maria’s the voting public had their favourites and once chosen they turned up in their droves to fill the theatre and make the shows a success – and Oliver will be no different =even though are stamping your petulant childish foot and saying that you will not go …….. me thinks that will be your loss and it wont affect anyone else!
I like many others think that Jodie will make an excellent Nancy who will consistently entertain the theatre going public 8 shows a week with ease. I am looking forward to going to see her -in the knowledge that she is a safe pair of performing hands.
On Cameron & the Lord ALW I am very disappointed in them…. that they shamelessly supported and favoured Jessie is not to their credit in fact it is the opposite -they signed on for a programme where the public were to decide and yey they disgracefully tried to affect the vote in support of their favoured one even to the point of suggesting that she was ‘too big’ ! Shameful !
This was despite the fact that the public vote consistently showed that Jessie was not favoured by the public.
The reasons for this dislike could have included that she had terrible diction, moved very badly even when she walked, acting a song consisted of the same annoying and repetitive hand to hair movements and facial expression AND she sang out of the corner of her mouth – which began to really annoy me very early in the process ! ( these things could well be the reason that she had never manged to get into drama school!
And as has been commented by others she did come over as quite an arrogant girl in the later weeks . which seems to be something that she has in common with you! what a cheek that you tell Ian that he lacks the vision to see Jessies potential – please have a word with yourself as Ian is in the majority – thats why Jodie is Nancy and Jessie thankfully isn’t!
Since I posted my comments a couple of days ago, I have read subsequent posts with interest.
And you know what? A lot of those people are right!
I had always thought this reality TV way of casting for a multi million pound musical was absurd. But hey! As others so rightly say, it is many weeks of free publicity, and the public’s choice is bound to have a significant positive effect on ticket sales. As one person correctly says “bums on seats”.
So whoever won, the money machine started to roll in earnest. I wonder how many seats have been sold since the final, as opposed to seats normally sold when normal casting methods apply.
CM and others are in this for the money. Make no mistake, that is their only reason for putting on a show in the first place. So whoever won, they would make plenty of money, simply because that Nancy was the public choice.
I am very pleased that Jodie has won, I have supported her from the first. She is a lovely singer and has great presence. The fact that she is slightly bigger than the other girls is irrelevant. She still looks fantastic. Big girls are beautifull and the public should accept that. I think Cameron Macintosh should wake up to the fact that it was a public vote! If he did’nt want Jodie to win he should not have left it to the public. You could see he wanted Jessie to win. He was not very happy and I think that was very unprofessional of him.
Jessie was a lovely girl, and could definately sing, but I hated her facial expressions as she looked vacant when singing. We obviously missed something else that the judges could see. Also her attempt at dancing reminded me of a young colt!! She was not a natural mover.
Oh Dear Steve? How misguided you are? this blog is quite bitchy enough without stirring in a hefty dose of patronising. Both Jessie and Jodie have a long way to go with Jodie having to unlearn a lot of cabaret habits if she is going to deliver a theatrical performance rather than deliver a number – but she has a very good voice. Jessie has raw talent – the uncovering of which has always been touted as the raison d’etre for this show [otherwise presumably Nancy Sullivan would have been a very strong contender not dumped before final qualifications]. I am not aware of John Barrowman’s [Or DVO's] skills or qualifications as a director/teacher but I am sure someone will be quick to inform me.
As it happens I also liked Nancy Sullivan for the part and thought it was a shame she was knocked out.
I am as equally as hacked off with people going on about how Jodie was the right choice, and that Jessie can’t act or show emotion….
It’s usually the same people who then go on to say that Rachael should have been in the final instead of Jessie. Which is a bizarre line of thought when they base their argument that Jodie won because the public wanted her. So what does that say about Rachael not making the final? (And she was the greatest actess of all the performers)
Go figure. They didn’t want her as much asthe other finalists.
Jodie will make a great Nancy, I have never suggested otherwise. Yea she looks the part, is reliable, polished, experienced, motherly, yadda, yadda, ya…
But so was the last Nancy ‘reliable, polished, experienced, motherly’ when the show closed in 1994.
Something a bit different would have been nice this time around..
C’est la vie…
To be fair, if they’d wanted “something a bit different” as they said they did then this show was the wrong vehicle to cast the role. The ability to see “something a bit different” and think “you know what, that could really work” (and get it right!) is supposedly what separates ALW and CM from the likes of you and I. If you ask the public you are only ever going to get a populist choice, and most probably one who’s similar to what their preconceived notions of the role are.
Jodie was certainly the populist choice: she had the talent (as many did), she had a story that the public could relate to – which they didn’t HAVE to show if they didn’t want it to cloud peoples’ judgement, but they did, she had a “local girl done good” quality that would’ve endeared her to a lot of people off the bat. Not all of that makes for a star, some of it makes for a reality TV show winner though.
No you weren’t bitchy [just some of the blogging in general] but you were metaphorically patting me on the head! Let’s unite in our support of Nancy Sullivan and without I’d Do Anything she probably would not have got Les Mis, Best Steve
Jodie sings strongly and effectively, but in a fairly unoriginal sort of way (start quietly, build up to a big belter of a second half). It’s just a superior kind of karaoke singing! She isn’t different enough. I wouldn’t want to see her. Jessie, on the other hand, has much more variation, light and shade, and a better voice. She doesn’t just yell. Her performance in the final was very intense and emotional; it’s disgraceful that the voting was closed immediately after her superb final song, so that her supporters and converts didn’t have time to vote.
We ended up with a kind of Eurovision decision on the basis of local loyalties – with the stronger performer’s locals not allowed to vote.
And can someone do something about that John Barrowman! Just to take him down a few pegs? What a pain!!!!!
I think you hit the nail squarely on the head, Steve
I personally think Jodie was the right choice for the role of Nancy and supported her from day 1. However in any TV reality show such as I’d Do Anything, Any Dream Will Do, Grease Is The World and How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria, it is a huge gamble for producers to put the casting of their leading role into the hands of the public.
What tends to be overlooked is the suitability of the individuals involved from a casting perspective. It is, after all, not a talent competition – it’s a casting competition. I personally know the show of Oliver! very well having performed some 30 odd times in the show and I feel Jodie was the best choice as I believe she had the whole package required for the role.
What I find quite odd about the whole thing is when people tell each other their opinions are wrong and the other one should have won. We are all entitled to our own opinions, some would have been Jodie fans, some Jessie fans, some Samantha fans. I personally would rather support Jodie by going to see her perform Nancy (ticket been booked from the day they went on sale I should add) – I find that much more enjoyable that tearing the other girls apart. Anyway, good luck Jodie – I’m sure you will put many bums on seats and make Cameron Macintosh lots of profits – and more importantly I’m sure she will make herself proud, her family proud and everyone who voted for her!
I don’t know what much steam the casting reality show has left really, it’s been done, it’s worked etc. but I wouldn’t like to see it every year. I would like to see professionals from the industry get their fair crack at these roles too!
Funny that – I’ve just blogged about Nancy Sullivan and the Les Miserables cast changes!
shouldn’t we both be working?!
Im so glad Jodie won and me and my family have bought tickets for the show already. I would not have paid £76 to watch Jessie’s mouth slide up the side of her face while she delivered the worst cockney accent since Dick Van Dyke.
this is what I meant Linda
I was in the audience at the final and the overwhelming support for Jodie is fairly reflected in the result of the public vote.
Jodie is not doing 4 shows she is doing 6 – look on the Oliver website and it clearly says how many she is doing. Jodie was the only Nancy from the start, Jessie was always too desperate, too annoying, too wooden in her movements, I never believed the words she sang, always looked like she was acting – if anyone was as good as Jodie it was Rachel not the irritating Irish girl!
So glad Jodie is doing Saturday shows. I had booked tickets for March on a Saturday night and assumed Jodie would be in it as they kept saying on the show they were expected to do 8 shows. I was shocked and very dissappointed when I heard she was only doing 4 shows excluding Saturdays. I am so relieved. She is the reason I booked it. JODIE ROCKS.
i think that jodie was definately the wrong choice for nancy, Jessie was absolutely amazing all night and she deserved the role in my eyes. I have supported jessie ever since her first audition, i think that the way she preforms is incredible! A beautiful voice and a great actress, i am sure that she will go far and i hope to see her on the westend stage very soon!!
Will people Please stop with the shoulda coulda woulda’s about Jessie! Jodie IS NANCY! Deal with it! Im sure Jessie will get another role! Nancy suddenly became Jessie’s dream role when she entered the competition I had never heard her once mention wanting to be Nancy, I personally know this. It was roles like eponine and stuff she liked.I wish jodie every bit of luck playing Nancy!
Hmm… Didn’t mean to be patronising but I do find the ‘raw talent’ thing a bit strange. I teach drama and a lot of my students have raw talent and potential and some have been incredibly successful and some haven’t. Surely you need more than ‘raw talent’ to give a truly confident and successful performance. Jessie does appear to have ‘raw talent’ as did several of the other girls, that doesn’t make her the best for the role. Both girls have a lot to learn and I am sure that Jodie will have to work hard to develop her characterisation. However, her consistency throughout the show and her warmth as a performer coupled with excellent vocal control convinced me that she would be very successful in the role. I am sure that Jessie has a good future ahead of her. after all , ALW thinks she’s amazing and will be no doubt itching to get her into one of his shows as soon as possible. I also wonder what he has got lined up for Rachel as she was the most polished performer of the lot.
Jessie should have won. Jodie was too old, and not unique enough to be Nancy. Too plastic.
Jessie would make a great Calamity Jane, the role made famous by Doris Day. She really wasn’t Nancy..
Jodie IS Nancy, She was my favorite right from the start.
I wish her well in her new career as a West End Star..
Jodie was fantastic, from start to finish. I am delighted she’s won.
Jessie is a good singer, but she is not an actress. Losing, was probably a blessing in disguise, because it will give her more time for drama lessons. I strongly believe, she wasn’t ready for West End. When she finally is, all the best to her.
Clearly, ALW, Cameron and Barry, all, set their hearts on young girls for this part and clearly discriminated against the older ladies. How can you explain Andrew’s dismissal of Rachel after her standing ovation performance, in favour of young Sam. Makes me wonder, was he trying to get rid of the competition for Jessie? Often, it seemed to me that he resented Jodie for being so good.
I am glad Jodie won. I would like to add too that according to Dickens Nancy was not really pretty, was stout and couldn’t have been as young as 17-18 –see Wikki.
Chris, that is very well put indeed…
And basically a transparent account of the entire show!!
CM and ALW will no doubt have been inundated with letters/emails etc from both camps of supporters. However you are right…. This was just another manipulated REALITY show. geared towards the Saturday night tv watching public middle England.
Although quite outrageously not towards Ireland!
Hmmm… interested to know what your definition of ‘middle England’ is? I take it to mean not the rest of the UK? Or is it a demographic comment?
Loved the cartoon, but still want to add a comment, I was totally surprised when Jodie won, she bored me and Jessie gave me goosebumps, but the proof will be in the pudding (no pun intended) with ticket sales.
i was also really suprised when jodie won, i’m sure she will do a great job but for me jessie will always be the true nancy. Her preformances are full of emotion and real passion, jessie captured the true heart of nancy. I am sure jessie will have ana amzing career ahead of her, she really is an amazingly unique preformer and i wish her the best of luck in the future.
Ok guys, I know some of you are upset Jessie didn’t win but whether you like it or not Jodie is going to play Nancy in Oliver and it doesn’t matter how much you say `oh but Jessie was better, Jodie’s too cabaret or Jodie is boring and too sterotypical`, in the end of the day it was the publics vote and in the end the public decided who would be Nancy. If you don’t like it well, thats your own opinion and besides no one is forcing you to go and watch the show anyway, so if you don’t want to see it cause your favourite contestant is playing Nancy, thats your won choice but in the end of the day facts are facts. JODIE was Nancy, more people voted for her than for Jessie, Jessie is not going to be Nancy for now its disapponting to some of you I know but thats how life is. But maybe another door will open to Jessie till then I say stop criticizsing Jodie and just accept the fact that she won even if you didn’t agree. And if it makes you feel better, if she is boring and sterotypical as you say then the critics will pan her like mad and it will show in the number of tickets sold for each performance and if that happens in a way Jessie will get the last laugh.
This novel was set in 1830’s London when diseases like cholera and dysentery were rife and whooping cough and measles could still kill a child. I’m sorry but no-one in the situation NANCY was in during that era would be the size that Jodie is. THAT is why she isn’t believable as Nancy
Jodie, no doubt has acting abilility and a strong voice but personally i found her boring and she didn’t move me at all, jessie i thought was amazing; both her voice and her facial expressions, yes she had some problems but i believed they could be overcome
i am gutted that jessie didn’t win but good luck to jodie, i’m sure she will be a success
i think some of the people are being a little harsh about jessie!
Hi….I’m majorly dissapointed since finding out the performance schedule. I booked tickets WEEKS ago – as soon as they went on sale.
Family treat for New Year’s Eve, and Jodie wont be performing Wed Eve’s…so who will ???? can anyone tell me ….maybe I’ll have to sell on Ebay. Gutted!!
Im So Please Jodiie Won!
I Feel Every Week She Has Put All Her Effort Into Her Performances + Really Stood Out
She Was My Favourite From The Start
Such A Bubbly Giirl Who Deseverd The Role
IM SO GOIING TO SEE IT!
If your verdict is based on the size of someone thats a bit unfair, it is six months to the show! The show wasn’t about last Saturday. if you want to check out Jodie at 8st 10, have a look on youtube.
I could not agree more, and the fact that Jessica had a good voice is not enough for stage school to get into the best ones in London (Laines, London Theatre Studio) you have to be able to sing, dance and act to a very high standard as I said before they can choose student from across the world so only choose the best. It would be interesting to know which ones turned her down Also I wonder why they have now changed the schedual from 4 to 6 show a week, they obviously thought that if Jessica won she would not be able to cope with 6 shows a week but Jodie is a strong enough performer to do so. If anyone still wants tickets the best web site is delfontmackintosh.co.uk I got tickets in the stalls on row D last night and they came this morning, lots of the other websites only had tickets in the upper balcony and were charging £15 on top of the ticket price.
Not sure if anyone else has thought this but when Sam was still in the competition they announced the bottom 2 were Sam and Jodie. Now don’t you think that because Jodie was in the bottom 2 then people who liked her will have voted more the second time to make sure she wins, or people who liked Jessie were confident Jessie would win because she wasn’t in the bottom 2? So think about it, if it was Jessie and Sam would it be different?
How stupid, if this was the case why is it sold out till ages? I cant even get tickets!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sorry, did I miss something? Can’t say I ever noticed Jessie looking particularly fragile either. She even described herself as being built like an ox at one point! Having said that, her acting was extremely fragile!
Several people have been describing her as having ‘raw talent’ – it’s so raw you could get e-coli from it. She really needs to be given the time and encouragement to go to drama school and learn the basics.
Personally I couldn’t even see a glimmer of acting talent (so OTT) but I can recognise that her singing had potential and maybe, on that basis, she should set her sights on a musical that is 100% singing….surely ALW would be only too happy to give her one of his?
Personal views aside, it would be nice to think of all three finalists (and Rachel who should have been in the final instead of Jessie) having successful careers ahead of them.
You think 28 is too old? Are you still in nappies or something?
The right person without a shadow of a doubt won. Jodie did everything that was asked of her and as for the comment by Sarah about being in the bottom two , I didn´t think she was in the bottom two as it was said in no particular order and when the judges were asked who they thought should win , only two judges said Jodie ( both actors ) so that could have swayed towards Jessie. Go on Jodie you show em what your made of gal !!!
I disagree with your comments, Jodie was complete the package and no matter what derogatory comments were thrown at her she behaved with dignity. Cameron knew right from the start that he would not have a choice it would be the public, whether he likes it or not that is what he must now have. After all, look at all the free publicity the show is getting. Jessie was too ‘raw’, it is obvious why she was turned down twice at drama school,it was because she couldn’t act, you’ve either got it or you haven’t, and she didn’t! She is pretty has a lovely voice, but a rather vacant expression and I particularly didn’t like how she sang out the side of her mouth, which wasn’t attractive. As to your comments about ticket sales, apparently the show is sold out and people are having trouble obtaining them.
i picked jodie from the first audition the nation picked her as nancy in fact i feel the role of nancy is too small for her and after watching her on loose women she is a natural. so i find your comment quite rude dont think she will be doing panto in fact i feel england has found a new rose
someone is throwing there toys out the cot,lol you just have to face the best girl won and you should be happy for them
its a shame that your not taking your little girl its a great thing to introduce children to such great shows, i find jodie a fantastic role model and a true superstar
jodie has never been in the bottom
I think Jessie should of won!
Did you see her do as long as he needs me.. it was extrodinary!
I voted for jessie so many times and was angry to see jodie win becuase jessie is so talented and made a fantastic nancy.
She will go far and do so much better than jodie
She can do a Cockney accent, but she can’t act! Jodie sang everything in much the same way, and can’t show emotion – she just gushes, and hopes that will suffice.
penny its doesnt make sense what you said the viewers week by week remembered jodie thats why she is the nations nancy, and i feel she is going to be the best Nancy to date
Jodie went for the biggest sympathy vote with her whole weight loss saga.
How can you say that Jessie was a poor actress and yet like Sam? Jessie wasn’t good at acting, but Sam could neither emote or act at all! Jodie couldn’t act either, as she just hammed everything up, and the only think she had over Jessie was a Cockney accent.
When did Jodie exhibit a strong acting ability?
If you want to check out ‘Jodie in Lurve’ look on my phone…Oh NO sorry the phone was bought on ebay from sleaze Greengrass (her fiance) and returned for refund but guess what? I have no refund and the phone has been sold on…. call it a mistake or error of judgement until….. another ebay customer ericjane has similar problems….sleaze Greengrass has his money too….
I just hope Jodie is not let down or her new career ruined by her fiance from hell who obviously loves the limelight more than he loves her. Lets see if he is as happy in the news when the people he is ripping off are finished with him.
Good Luck Jodie
Jodie was always going to win with the public. The only people moaning are you bad losers. Be happy for her and let her enjoy her time playing Nancy in Oliver. I shall certainly be going to see her, in fact I have already bought tickets. I am sure Jessie and some of the other girls will get parts in the west end music industry when the time is right for them. I thought Jodie had an amazing voice and deserved to win the part of Nancy.
Well said Marilynn! Come on guys, stop being such bad losers. Jodie was great and she put her heart and soul into the show. Jodie made a fantastic Nancy. Good luck to her. Jessie’s time will come when she has had more experience. To be honest so many of today’s young performers do four or 5 years at Music and Drama colleges to develop their talents. I don’t think that it will do Jessie any harm to have to wait a while. I am sure that she will be happy to develop her skills more fully.
no i don’t think so jodie is talented and she dissevered to be a Nancy and she is get over it and she was way better than jess ,I’m not saying jess can’t sing but jodie was the best.
people in the rep. of ireland couldn’t vote. all cause it was an english show. even if d irish could vote doesn’rt really mean jessie would have won. u c im 4rm ireland n if i could ave voted i would ave voted 4 jodie.
n also jessie’s family n friends were over in U.K watchin her perform so day could vote cause day were in U.K
I don’t even mention Sam, let alone comment on her acting and talent!
I do, however, stand by my criticisms of Jessie’s acting (I did try to balance this by complimenting her singing) – two drama schools seem to support my point of view too.
I find it strange that you say that the only thing Jodie had over Jessie was a cockney accent. Can I remind you that Jodie had a very strong Lancashire accent and disguised this by putting on a cockney accent……it is called acting (which afterall, was the essential difference between the two contestants)!
I am so glad Jodie won. She was amazing. ALW and Cameron M are snobs. I got the impression Jodie wasn’t posh enough for them but Jessie was just as loud but with a different accent and that, for me, was a major issue. Her accent was terrible – and they call scousers (indidentally, I don’t have a scouse accent but I’d prefer it any day!) At times I could hardly understand her, and she just couldn’t lose it when singing. Anybody with any musical talent knows that you ditch your accent when you sing. Nobody wants to hear a beautiful song in a cockney or scouse or manc accent or any other twang. She could do with elocution lessons.
I do think Jessie was wonderful but she just wasn’t Nancy. And I disagree that she should’ve been younger. Jessie hasn’t the maturity of life that Jodie has.
Good luck to both of them but for Jodie as Nancy, I can’t wait.
The accent is irrelevant, ALW and CM chose a boy with an obvious WELSH accent when he’s singing to play Oliver. Charles Dickens never stated in his book where Nancy originated, but its made clear that Oliver was from the Midlands!
Will they be giving elocution lessons to the Welsh Oliver then? Or is this just another ‘oooh, here’s another reason to have a go at Jessie and rave about Jodie’ excuse been dragged up?
dont be bitter just because your fave didnt win, Jodie is always been the winner since the first day, with connie they wanted a maria, with joseph they wanted the right guy for the job. and with nancy Jodie was the only one, a teenager cant play a womans role
if it wasnt for jessies hair she wouldnt have the look i know it may sound silly but think about it, the way she sang out the side of her mouth used to annoy me
i just dont get it, i think alot of it has been done to maipulate the public and it showed when jodie won that people have there own minds, just dont get all this jessie her voice really was dull, no power behind and when she did she just shouted, if you call raw and edgy shouting and moving like a man well everyone has there own idea of nancy
you keep having a dig at jodie, a carabet singer could not reduce me to tears like jodie with send in the cloulds or out here she doesnt fling her arms out and plus she was an agony aunt, you really should be happy for jodie i am, already booked my tickets cant wait
its sad when you come to leave nice comments of congratulations and your greeted by bitter jessie fans, i think jodie is stunning, and if you saw her on loose women next to regular size women that would correct your doubt, go jodie you are a beautiful person inside and out dont let boring sad people get you down
Sorry Michelle but millions of people disagree with your comments as there has already been £3000000 in ticket sales since Jodie was chosen as Nancy so that many people cannot be wrong !
Ivoted for Connie,Lee and Jodie from start to finish and as yet I have not been wrong.
I will think of you and what you are missing when I go to see the show in January and again in February and again and again and again !!
if you read on the internet Jodie won by over 780.000 votes if thats second best well i will eat my hat, in fact i will eat my whole suit, I backed jodie all the way jodie was the only one with such a unique rich voice and who could act, jessie couldnt even do a cockney accent nor could she act so i want to buy my ticket for a girl who can do all of them and thats jodie
I dont care what anyone else says, Jessie will always be the true nancy. Throughout the competition she gave amazing preformances that captivated the audience and showed how much passion she has for musical theatre. Jessie has the whole package and i’m disapointed that the british pubic couldnt see that. I would be willing to bet my house that jessie is going to have a bigger and better career than jodie!By the way we jessie fand are not bitter, we are just passionate about what we believe! Jessie buckley is forever the true nancy!
I dont care what anyone else says, Jessie will always be the true nancy. Throughout the competition she gave amazing preformances that captivated the audience and showed how much passion she has for musical theatre. Jessie has the whole package and i’m disapointed that the british pubic couldnt see that. I would be willing to bet my house that jessie is going to have a bigger and better career than jodie!By the way we jessie fans are not bitter, we are just passionate about what we believe! Jessie buckley is forever the true nancy!
I loved Jessie and wish she had won, Jodie didn’t do anything for me and I think the faces on Cameron and the Lord at the end of the show said everything about what they thought. But, Jodie has won and will do the shows and I’m sure the professionalism of Cameron Macintosh will ensure she does a good job. Jodie obviously appealed to a majority of viewers, so that is in her favour, but for a new version of Oliver I just wish people could have been a bit braver and voted for someone with a bit of edge and not gone for the safe and predictable option.
Jessie was not the true Nancy as thousands of people who voted showed, she had a great voice but was so wooden and could not dance or act at all, which is probly why she did not get into any performing arts colleges. I have had the pleasure of seeing Jodie perform live on several occasions and despite what ALW thought she can dance as good as any other performer and even before she lost her weight could do the splits!! So come on Jessie fans stop being bad loosers, I’m sure Jessica will go on to great things she just needs more training and a bit more maturity, the best nancy won.
I agree, Jodie was by far the best, a superb clear voice that will sound great in the theatre. Just for you doubters out there ,have you tried to get decent tickets for Oliver? (most are booked out until june next year). I managed to get some fab tickets for Feb so really looking forward to that. Well done jodie you are the peoples choice!
The only way left to get decent seats is to book Oliver tickets as part of a theatre break. That means you have to pay for an expensive(ish) London hotel, but if you’re going to make an occasion out of it then it’s worth it. I saved a little bit by not buying the rail tickets in advance, instead I’ll get a coach up to London which takes a couple of hours longer, but what the heck. I’ve got my top tickets for January.
http://usefulwiki.com/londontheatre
A lot of tickets for Oliver early next year have already been sold, but you can still get good seats by booking London Theatre Breaks.
When are you going to see Jodie in Oliver and whereabouts will be you seated in the Drury Lane Theatre Royal?
I was extremely disappointed that Jessie didn’t win. I think she would have been perfect for the role and was planning to go and see the show. Jodie was consistent throught the show and I’m sure that she will be a good “safe” Nancy, but London is too far to go (for me) to see a “safe” performance.
I thought that Jodie was brilliant and a very good singer in my opinon.
I honestly believe that Jessie shoul have won. After all, who knowsbetter about casting a musical that Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron Mackintosh? Jodie seemed a very friendly, confident woman but I would be afraid that she wouldn’t be able to do the whole domestic storyline with Bill Sykes, when that confidence could make her seem bolshy. I think that Jessie had a tomboyish edge, the ‘life-and-soul-of-the-party’ girl side but (and most importantly) a vulnerable side.
I honestly believe that Jessie should have won. After all, who knowsbetter about casting a musical that Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron Mackintosh? Jodie seemed a very friendly, confident woman but I would be afraid that she wouldn’t be able to do the whole domestic storyline with Bill Sykes, when that confidence could make her seem bolshy. I think that Jessie had a tomboyish edge, the ‘life-and-soul-of-the-party’ girl side but (and most importantly) a vulnerable side.
Im so glad Jessie didnt win! I found her to be very irritating to watch. I have friends performing in the West End and they agree with me. Jessie is certainly not ready for the West End!
Good Luck Jodie in Les Mis and in Oliver!