Hancock Wades Into Reality TV Casting Debate

Published on 17 March 2010 by Jonathan Dudley

Sheila Hancock has become the latest West End star to speak out in favour of BBC's reality TV casting shows.

Hancock, who currently has a starring role in London smash-hit, Sister Act the musical, is the latest in a long line of celebs to defend controversial shows such as I'd Do Anything and How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?

Earlier this month, John Barrowman complained about company directors' snobbish attitudes towards the new audiences that casting shows bring, saying: "You've got people in the theatre, bums on seats, your cast is being paid and you're being paid because your house is full, so don't complain."

Hancock, who is a panellist on upcoming Wizard of Oz talent search, Over The Rainbow defended the format, saying: "The difference between this [Over the Rainbow] and normal auditions is that anyone can apply. Normally for an audition you have to have an agent before you can actually get an audition. The actual process is very similar. You don’t see it all on camera, but a lot of it goes on behind the scenes. They [contestants] are coached, and they audition again and they audition again, which is exactly what happens in theatre."

Over The Rainbow will be aired on BBC1 from 26 March, 2010.