Zoe Ball and Alan Carr's musical spectacle Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream has been cancelled after just one series, despite its star-studded cast. The talent show discovered two new theatre stars to play the lead roles of Sophie and Sky in the beloved production, which honours the music of Abba.
Winners Stevie Doc and Tobias Turley made their first West End appearances at the end of January and are still performing strongly. However, the same cannot be said for the ITV show itself, which was filmed in Corfu last spring, the Sun reported.
Host Zoe revealed yesterday that a new series would not be produced. It was anticipated that the series could return with the same celebrity panel to support a whole new musical.
Speaking on Radio 2, she said: "We're not going back to Corfu [where the show was filmed]." "This time last year we were packing our bags to go there but - and it's a shame."
Guest Alan Carr, who served as a judge on the series, responded: "I loved doing that show." The format was similar to that of the BBC competitions How Do You Solve a Problem like Maria?
, Any Dream Will Do, I'd Do Anything and Over the Rainbow which aired in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010 respectively - demonstrating that the show can be reworked and run as consecutive series. Mamma Mia's creator Judy Craymer led the search and was supported by Alan, Glee star Amber Riley, theatre performer Samantha Barks and pop star Jessie Ware.
The talent show managed to gather a peak of 1.9 million viewers for its finale, which was broadcast live from London's Novello Theatre. However, its scheduling from October to December meant it competed against the entertainment juggernaut, Strictly Come Dancing.
Confirmation came later that another contestant, Zachkiel Smith, secured a new role in the ensemble of Back to the Future the Musical. Another participant, Desmonda Cathabel, is currently headlining the Aladdin UK and Ireland tour.
An ITV spokesperson stated: "Mamma Mia I Have A Dream was commissioned to celebrate 25 years of the musical, so was only ever intended to be a one off series. The show sought to find a new Sophie and Sky, who are now starring in the West End musical."
