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The BBC has reportedly had to axe a new musical reality series after Andrew Lloyd Webber ruled himself out of taking part.
The new show, which was going to find stars for a musical based on The Wizard Of Oz, had been planned as the sequel to last year's I'd Do Anything.
However, Lloyd Webber has pulled out over fears that he may be accused of using the show to promote his follow-up to The Phantom Of the Opera, which is due to be released next year.
His business partner Andre Ptaszynski told The Sun: "It's only been in the past two or three weeks that we've realised how much of a field day people would have with it. Andrew would be accused of doing the BBC show just to get publicity for Love Never Dies (the Phantom's sequel). The BBC would then be made to look like it was giving him undue prominence.
"We spoke with BBC director general Mark Thompson and we agreed to pull it."
The composer is hoping to do another musical reality series with the BBC, however, it won't be until at least 2011.
The BBC has scored massive hits with the previous shows that they worked together on including How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? and Any Dream Will Do. Apart from Strictly Come Dancing, other shows have struggled in the Saturday night slot including Graham Norton's latest programme Totally Saturday which was axed after poor ratings.
Are you disappointed that this show has been scrapped? Do you think Andrew Lloyd Webber is making the right decision? Let us know what you think...
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I just asked my oh if people would be as shallow to judge him & he said yes they are that shallow, Andrew should not have pulled out just because others choose to see it that way, Although if on the other hand he does not have the time to do this show due to publicizing his new show then fair play on him, as always the media will portray this in a way that gets people talking most proberlry leaving out most of the information
Posted by: manchestermaiden on Mon Jul 20 02:57PM | Report abuseSorry ALW has felt he has had to pull out of WoZ reality show. He is probably correct in assuming that the vultures will accuse him of plugging for his new show as they are always about promoting negativity. He is in a win/no win situation. In saying that just ask - Is it good entertainment - YES. Will audiences react favourably - YES. That is what really matters. Please reconsider and give is a wonderful winter full of quality talent.
Posted by: normarcon on Mon Jul 20 03:05PM | Report abuseIts ridiculous that Andrew Lloyd Webber feels that this would be an issue! As if he needs any help promoting a follow up to Phantom! This has been eagerly awaited by musical lovers such as myself for years. It just goes to show the negative affect the media are having upon our society these days. These 'find a star' musical shows are great fun but really bear no actual significance to the career of one of Britain's favourite composers. Its a shame the BBC has to live in fear of the media.
Posted by: emmapeebles on Mon Jul 20 03:09PM | Report abuseit's just a waste of taxpayers money putting shows like this on the television.
Posted by: m.evans271 on Mon Jul 20 03:10PM | Report abuseyes i am dissapointed that it has been stopped i love programs like that on a saterday night it makes twlly more fun to watch.
Posted by: vschack on Mon Jul 20 03:11PM | Report abuseI think Andrew made the RIGHT decision but bring him back soon on something not attached near to his shows
Posted by: g3yec on Mon Jul 20 03:12PM | Report abuseI do not watch these shows for the very reason Andew has said. Good for him. Total respect Andrew.
Posted by: martinfaber330 on Mon Jul 20 03:12PM | Report abuseWhat a shame,we are being denied a good show because of what a few people may say.
Posted by: beryl.cox1 on Mon Jul 20 03:12PM | Report abusegood idea to scrap it. theres too much of this trash on already:))))
Posted by: jess661 on Mon Jul 20 03:12PM | Report abusemaybe it would give him prominence but does that matter given the pleasure his programmes give millions of people so the BBC should acknowledge the free marketing/publicity up front and still put on a show that will benefit millions of people who will never get to the west end
Posted by: whiteleaftraining on Mon Jul 20 03:13PM | Report abuse