I'd Do Anything Alumni Celebrate Jessie Buckley's Groundbreaking Oscar Achievement
Rachel Tucker, a fellow contestant from the BBC talent show I'd Do Anything, has publicly expressed immense pride following Jessie Buckley's historic Academy Award win. Buckley, aged 36, secured the Oscar for Best Actress for her role in Hamnet, marking her as the first Irish-born star to achieve this accolade. Tucker, 44, who placed fourth in the 2008 competition, shared an emotional post on social media, highlighting the local celebrations in Buckley's hometown of County Kerry.
Rachel Tucker's Heartfelt Tribute to Her Former Co-Star
In her online message, Rachel Tucker wrote, "This. I couldn't be more proud of an old pal of mine!" accompanied by a video showing jubilant reactions from an Irish bar. Tucker reflected on their shared beginnings on I'd Do Anything, where Andrew Lloyd Webber sought an unknown actress for the role of Nancy in a London revival of Oliver!. While Jodie Prenger won the competition and later gained fame on Coronation Street, Buckley's second-place finish propelled her to Hollywood success.
Since the show, Tucker has built an acclaimed theatre career, starring as Elphaba in Wicked on both the West End and Broadway, and appearing in productions like Come From Away and The Great Gatsby. She also featured in TV dramas such as Hope Street and Call the Midwife. Just days before the Oscars, Tucker predicted Buckley's win during an interview on Q Radio, stating, "Look at Jessie, Oscar nominee, she's gonna win it, she's gonna win it!"
Samantha Barks and Other Alumni's Career Paths
Samantha Barks, another I'd Do Anything contestant who finished in third place, has also risen to prominence, starring in Frozen and Les Miserables, and winning The Masked Singer. The show, part of a series including How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? and Any Dream Will Do, launched multiple careers. For instance, Lee Mead won the role of Joseph and later appeared in Casualty, while Over the Rainbow introduced Danielle Hope as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz and Stephanie Davis to national attention.
Buckley's Oscar victory follows her Golden Globe win earlier this year for Hamnet, where she portrayed Agnes Shakespeare. In her emotional acceptance speech at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, she thanked her family, co-stars, and husband Freddie Sorensen, with whom she shares a daughter born in 2025. She triumphed over nominees including Rose Byrne, Kate Hudson, Renate Reinsve, and Emma Stone.
The legacy of I'd Do Anything continues to resonate, demonstrating how reality TV platforms can foster lasting talent and camaraderie among participants. As Buckley carves her path in film, her former co-stars celebrate her achievements, underscoring the enduring bonds formed during their early careers.
