In 2008, the BBC talent show I'd Do Anything captivated audiences as it sought to cast the role of Nancy for a West End revival of Oliver!. Presented by Graham Norton and judged by Andrew Lloyd Webber from his iconic golden throne, the series built on the success of earlier shows like How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? and Any Dream Will Do.
A Launchpad for Stardom
Despite its brief run, I'd Do Anything proved to be a powerful career springboard for its contestants. With a star-studded panel and weekly acting challenges, the show has since produced notable names in theatre, film, and television. Here, we explore the diverse and impressive paths taken by the cast members over the years.
Jessie Buckley: From Runner-Up to Oscar Winner
Jessie Buckley, the series' runner-up, has ascended to Hollywood acclaim. Her breakthrough came in 2018 with the musical film Wild Rose, earning a BAFTA nomination for Best Actress. She later received nominations for her role in The Lost Daughter (2021) and won a Laurence Olivier Award for Cabaret on the West End.
In 2026, Buckley made history as the first Irish woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Hamnet. At the Oscars ceremony in Los Angeles, she concluded her speech in Gaelic, saying 'Go raibh maith agaibh, slán' (Thank you very much, goodbye). Her award season included wins at the BAFTAs, Golden Globes, and Critics' Choice Awards.
Jodie Prenger: The Victorious Nancy
Jodie Prenger emerged as the winner of I'd Do Anything, securing the role of Nancy in the West End production of Oliver!. She has since built a substantial career in theatre, with credits including Spamalot, Calamity Jane, and One Man, Two Guvnors.
In 2022, Prenger joined the cast of ITV's Coronation Street as Glenda Shuttleworth, fulfilling a lifelong dream. She described her character as a 'Northern powerhouse woman', drawing inspiration from her grandmother. Prenger has also appeared on Loose Women and in the National Theatre's A Taste of Honey.
Samantha Barks: Third Place to Global Stage
Samantha Barks, who finished third, has achieved international recognition. She made her film debut as Éponine in Les Misérables (2012) and led the Broadway premiere of Pretty Woman. From 2021 to 2024, she starred as Elsa in the West End production of Frozen.
In October 2025, Barks was announced to play Charity Barnum in the world premiere musical adaptation of The Greatest Showman, further cementing her status in the industry.
Other Notable Contestants
Tara Bethan, eliminated after performing Somewhere Over the Rainbow, went on to tour in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and appear in Welsh soap opera Pobol Y Cwm. She recently served as a judge on Junior Eurovision: Chwilio am Seren.
Amy Booth-Steel, the first to leave the competition, has thrived as a stage actress. She wrote and performed a one-woman show about her cancer diagnosis and currently stars as Lady Sloane in Paddington The Musical.
Francesca Jackson, eliminated fourth, has appeared in productions like Tina The Musical on the West End and toured with Dreamboats and Petticoats.
Sarah Lark, a finalist, performed in Les Misérables in London from 2012 to 2015, while Ashley J Russell participated in workshops for Love Never Dies and featured in the 2025 premiere of Wild Rose.
Rachel Tucker, eliminated ninth in the finals, has played iconic roles such as Elphaba in Wicked and recently appeared as Myrtle Wilson in the West End's The Great Gatsby (2025).
Legacy of a Talent Show
I'd Do Anything may have been short-lived, but its impact endures. The show not only found a Nancy for Oliver! but also launched multiple careers across entertainment, demonstrating the lasting power of televised talent searches in discovering and nurturing artistic talent.
