All three Irish hopefuls are still in the running to win the role of Nancy in a major West End production of 'Oliver' after Amy Booth-Steel became the first contestant to leave the BBC’s talent search show 'I’d Do Anything' on Sunday evening.
Birmingham School of Acting graduate Amy's Saturday night performance of 'Respect' received the lowest number of public votes meaning she faced a sing-off duet with Francesca, who finished second from bottom in the poll on the Sunday results show with her version of 'Hero'.
After the sing-off, Francesca was saved from elimination by judge Andrew Lloyd-Webber. Lloyd-Webber said he based his decision on the song he had just heard and told Amy, 24: "you’ve done so well to come this far, and remember how many of our Marias have gone on to do other things".
Irish contestants Jessie, Rachel and Niamh are all still in the show and their performances were well received by the judges on the Saturday night.
Jessie, from Kerry and currently the bookies' favourite, opened the show strongly with her version of 'River Deep, Mountain High' and prompted judge John Barrowman to describe her and fellow contestant Jodie as "serious contenders".
Belfast native Rachel, who sang the Sugababes hit 'About You Now', was labelled "tough and saucy" by Barry Humphries, another judge, while Lloyd-Webber said her performance was "fabulous".
Niamh, also from Northern Ireland, was described as a "little bit spooky" by the judges, after she sang 'The First Cut Is The Deepest', and she also won praise for her performance.
In the show's competition to win one of three Oliver roles, Gwion, from Wales, won the first semi-final spot. Gareth, from Derry, is still in the competition, which does not feature weekly eliminations.
