Drag Race UK and Glee stars announced as judges for new reality show
ITV1's Mamma Mia!-inspired reality competition has unveiled stars from Strictly Come Dancing, Drag Race UK and Glee as part of its all-star lineup.
The upcoming series Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream will search for two aspiring musical theatre actors to take on the leading roles in the iconic ABBA-themed West End production.
Former Strictly: It Takes Two presenter Zoe Ball has signed on to present the competition, along with comedian Alan Carr (Drag Race UK), actress Amber Riley (Glee), singer Jessie Ware and British stage veteran Samantha Barks as its judging panel.
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The stage musical's producer Judy Craymer is also on board for Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream to advise the judges as they figure out who will play Sophie and Sky in the jukebox musical.
"Our contestants are going to go through quite the journey, believe me, but like the show and like the movie, there is going to be song, there is going to be dance and there's going to be fun in the sun. And we cannot wait for you to come on that journey with us," Ball said in a statement.
Carr added: "Getting to judge on one of my favourite musicals in one of my favourite locations ever is literally my dream job. A whole lot of feta and a whole lot of ABBA — perfection!"
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The musical competition will be set against the backdrops of the real Greek islands where the stage production and two spinoff films have been set.
"I'm really excited to be a part of such an incredible project. Musical theatre has played such an integral role in my growth as a performer," Riley shared. "I am all too happy to share what I've learned and to cheer on the world's next biggest stars! MAMMA MIA, here we go!"
The ABBA musical has won an Olivier Award in the UK, and its cast album also received a Grammy Award nomination. Two feature film adaptations followed, and a third could also be in the works.
Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream is set to premiere later this year on ITV1 and ITVX.
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