Introducing Our Marias
On Saturday our ten finalists were announced.
From thousands of entries, David Ian, Zoe Tyler and John Barrowman put just fifty girls through to Andrew Lloyd Webber's Maria School.
But Andrew, on seeing the auditions, chose to put four other girls through, including Kirsty who he thought really had that tomboyish quality. Zoe Tyler was visibly surprised when they entered the School, and some of their fellow finalists were worried Andrew had already found his Maria amongst the four.
After a tense three days, just twenty hopefuls were chosen to perform at Andrew Lloyd Webber's estate in front of an audience of showbiz insiders and legends such as Cilla Black.
Deciding the ten finalists was a tough one and Emilie Alford and Laura Sicurello were called back for a sing-off in front of Andrew and the panel. Both equally impressed and rather than lose the pair, Siobhan Dillon, who had seemingly been a dead cert from the early stages, lost out dramatically.
Having been ill for seven days she could not prove her vocal talent or her consistency and they voted against her.
But in a twist of fate, Emilie later decided that this path was not for her or her voice and shockingly pulled out - leaving one qould-be Maria-shaped space. As Siobhan had been their next choice - she replaced Emilie as the final Maria.
With our finalists now chosen you can click on the links on the right to read all about them. You can also download an image of your favourite to you desktop here
Send us your comment now. We'll publish the best on this page.
Alison
Why are there not more comments for LAURA!! She was incredible when singing to secure her place for the final ten!! Shame we didn't get to see more of her. Now is her chance to shine!!
Domnhall
To 3 judges - Briony must give any part in The Sound of Music as she is everyone's favourite person. She's so sweet and lovely!
Andi
I actually found it quite interesting that Simona's accent was considered so much of a problem - in my native Germany hardly any of the actors in musicals are German natives (most hail from the U.S., UK etc.) and when they speak or sing in German you can hardly understand a word of it. Give Simona a dialect coach and she'll shine! Loving the show already.
James
CONNIE CONNIE ALL THE WAY!!!! Beautiful in both looks and personality, amazingly talented and without a doubt the PERFECT Maria! Good luck!
David
Can't believe Briony was dropped with so little attention. She was my Maria from the start - innocent, persistent, kind, beautiful - but that aside the camera loved her and even the editing effort put into her in the first episode showed that TV loved her too. What are you doing Andrew? If one of your minions reads this, PLEASE take note of all these comments here and call Briony back. The others are also-rans and the game is up without her.
emma
abi is amazing!!!!! go abi your maria and we all no it!!!!!!!
Ruth
Briony was very watchable but this was not the right part for her. Emilie was a great singer but a bit prickly; Siobhan definitely deserved another chance - ultimately though Connie gets my vote (not traditionally pretty and so gets passed over for other shows despite incredible voice)
Jo
I taught Connie in school and she is a lovely girl. She definitely deserves to be Maria. Pob lwc Connie!
rach
Enough with this Briony moaning, she was talented, but not perfect for the role, she's no longer in competition, and we should stop going on about her. She's not going to be brought back so everyone should give their support to the final 10 Marias.
Antonio
All she wants is a chance to win. To fill the stage with that big bright grin. To sing and dance and WIN, Oh wouldnt that be lovely, lovely , LOVELY !!! Yes u guessed it it has to be LEANNE, L.L.W. take note Briony for Leisl. and Simona for Eva Peron in Evita, who agrees ?? Good Luck one and all !!
Robert Sparkes
From the moment Briony lit up the screen we felt she was perfect for the part. Maria, like Briony, should be clumsy,unsophisticated and funny whilst singing like an angel. Bring her back! If not my vote goes to Leanne
Flurunci Nush
Briony was lovely, Siobhan is gorgeous, Connie is a great singer, but -having got to know this amazing girl as performer and friend at Uni- ABI FINLEY IS MARIA! Anyone who knows her will agree! Just watch on sat, she'll blow you away :-)
Paul
I think siobhan should win, she is beautiful and i think she should be given a chance.
Soss
Abi is perfect for the part of Maria. She stands out way ahead of the rest. It's a one horse race. Go Abi!
tasha
i cannot agree less with people who think that siobhan is boring ... were at the same college and have done a couple of group projects together and she is the least boring person you can meet ... when she first said that she had auditioned you could tell how much she wanted the part ... after seeing her auditions its obvious to see that she not only wants the part but that she is good enough too
Jason
For new, virtually untrained, undiscovered natural talent it has to be LAURA. Her performance under pressure when singing for the final ten was spectacular. Briony - Has some issues !
Sassie
I don't see any reason why they can't have 11 potential Marias instead of 10. They could invite Bryony back - due to public outcry, and then choose one week where 2 girls will be voted off instead of one. See, there's always a solution!
Neve
Aoife is brilliant. She was born for this role as Maria. Aoife to win !
niamh
Aoife is so talented. We love her lots. She has the music inside her. Has to win!
amy vinten
connie, simona and leanne are my favourites! glad siobhan is in the final 10 instead of emilie! cant wait till saturday night i'm really looking forward to it! go on girls!! good luck!!
Allwyn
I hope A.L.W is reading these comments because he needs to bring back Briony! All these people can't be wrong.Briony is Maria!! She is the kind of girl who climbs a tree and scrapes her knee!
Jodie
I went to college and studied perfomance with Helena. She was then and still is a fantastic singer. It was a shock seeing you on telly Hel. Good luck babe - you're a star in the making!!
Joanna
Briony would light up the theatre in the same way she lit up the screen. She IS Maria and it SHONE. Look at these comments, Lord Lloyd Webber, bring her back, and your show will run and run.
Fiona
I agree that Briony would make a terrific Maria. But I also think that she has the versatility to make a terrific Liesl - she has the vulnerability, the innocence, the fun...In any case I do think it is a mistake to let her go. I just can't stop thinking about her whenever I think of the 10 who did get in. I can't quite believe that she is gone. No-one makes this kind of impact on me!
Wouldn't it be good if the runner up in the competition were offered the part of understudy to Maria. (Surely Bryony could cope with understudy even if the judges don't think she could handle the 8 peformances a week for 6 months?
Can we have one of the girls offered the part of Liesl too? Or one of the nuns?
Big Mona
Was apsolutely gutted that Briony was not put through. She was such a natural dizzy Maria and the felt the part was wrote for her. I wish I had Andrew L W's bank banlance to put on a performance and give her the leading role. She deserves it!
Terry
Briony was the star. Briony IS Maria. What a truly lovely, gritty and determined young lady. She will succeed in spite of these "experts" rather than because of them. Good luck Briony!
David Connolly
Go Aoife!!!
Rebecca
Why haven't we seen more of the talented Abi.
She is perfect for the part of Maria. My vote is for her
Jon
Aw, come on you guys!! It's Abi and Aoife all the way- they're clearly the ones on top of this game!! If I were lucky enough to know them, I'm sure I would call them beautiful, gorgeous, charming, hilarious and the two most genuinely talented people I have evr met. Vote Abi and Aoife!!!
Big Jo
Everyone at Leeds Uni LOVES Abi - Please vote for her!
Twiggy
Briony was too young for Maria. But how about her as Liesel?
Sabine
Wow what a line up, everybody is talking about Siobhan, but she only made it becouse Emilie decided not to , she will have to prove herself, good looks will only bring you so far. Sad that Briony did not make it. I think Leanne or Connie will be the next Maria.
Niall Heaney
Best of luck to the beautiful Irish Aoife. We over here are all fully aware of the talent that she has and she'd make an excellent Maria. May the best performer win (Aoife... Aoife... Aoife!!!)
Tracey and Lucy
We love Laura, she has real star quality, can handle the pressure and sings like an angel. We also know she can whizz up a scarf in an evening - not sure about making outfits out of curtains though?! Looking forward to Saturday night
Sandra Klardie
Simona is divine. And, as one of the other emailers put it; Maria was Austrian for crying out loud! Not English! This lady has it all.
I do hope you will show this series again as I would love to tape it.
All said and done, it takes amazing courage and fortitude to stick with it like these girls are, and that in the public eye all the way. Even if only one wins, each girl will have learned a great deal from this experience and have gotten exposure so: "Go Girls Go!!!"
Lucy - Loo
I have never done anything like this before but feel compelled to add to the public outcry over Briony. Are you mad - she has it all. Please bring her back and see how the public (the paying public) feel. You will be mad not to!
Emma Butters
I am really enjoying this programme and intend to go and see it at the Palldium. I do feel sorry for poor little Briony though, she was such a sweet little thing. Although, I do think she's play Liesel better than Maria anyway! She's 'innocent as a rose' just as Liesel is!
Pauline
When Briony was tapped on the shoulder I actually cried (sad , I know, but you get so involved). My conspiracy theory is that the judges don't think she could fill the Palledium for 6 months, but they knew the public would keep voting for her because she is lovely, so out she went - problem solved! Now Kirsty's gone, it won't be the same show, but I wish all the other girls well and may the best Maria win.
P.S. The trailer for the show is brilliant - even my husband (who hates the Sound of Music (idiot!!!)) loves it!
Marion
I really like Leanne, I think she has the right combination of cheekiness and a serious side too. If Simona can moderate her accent a little she could be great. Why does Maria have to have an UK accent.
bd
Poor Byiony, I think from the start she was brilliant, and now there is no one who stands out as a Maria to me. Out of the remaining Connie should be Maria, but you will be settling for second best.
Kate
What happened to Briony, we thought she was great. Glad Emilie has gone - far to diva like!!
Alan
We're all glad Emilie "pulled out". She was complaining about having to sing the theme song during the auditions. What would she be like if she had got the part?
Also saddened and disappointed Briony didn't get through. No reasons given either. She appeared to have the right personality and great attitude. Her singing seemed fine too from the clips seen. I'm sure she would have been a viewer winner!
Helen
Oh no! Where's Briony? She was perfect! If you don't bringher back then I'll probably be rooting for laura- she earned her place well or Helena. Why did BBC not focus on the gilrs that got into the final ten? So many of them i never saw audition or sing! Glad Emilie went- her attitude was pathetic.
How do you solve a problem like Maria? Find a new one!
sarah
Siobhan is boring as a person. I don't think I could sit and watch her for more than 5 minutes she's not that great. Leanne on the other hand is so lovely, Leanne to win!
Esther Edwards
Yes! Emilie has gone, im gutted that Briony didnt make it, she would have made a great Maria! you should bring back Briony, she made the show more entertaining! if not i think that she would be excellent as the eldest daughter
Tracy
Well Briony was my favourite and I was disappointed that there was no explanation of why she didn't make it to the last 10. I think someone should snap her up - she's a star!
Amy
From the auditions, I've had 3 favourites: Siobhan, Briony and Simona. Couldn't believe that Briony didn't get through. Hated Emilie's attitude. But glad Siobhan got through. Good luck to all of them!
Jill Ratcliffe
Connie's rendition of SHOW ME HEAVEN moved me to tears - just the quality we need in a Maria, not to mention the fact that she looks just right! I'll be voting for her EVERY WEEK!!!!
Isatta
a truly entertaining show , i personally think connie should get the part of maria as she wants a chance to be the bride and not that bridesmade any longer, with her strong voice I think she would be well suited to the part. I am glad that siobhan has been given a another chance to prove herself, as she was amazing when she auditioned, I definetly agree that Briony should be brought back, I think she has the right qualities to bring to the part of maria.
Becky
Emilie had too much attitide for her own good Siobhan's a much better choice i appreciate what John Barrowman said about doing a show with the chicken pox but after all he is a professional thats something the girls will learn she shouldn't have been punished for being ill!!! Siobhan to win !!
Briony
Can't believe Briony's out!
her personality and voice were the tops, we wish her good luck for the future and hope to see her again.
Lucy
So glad that Siobhan got another chance! Her first audition was better than any of the others I'd seen. Her and Briony were my favourites, I can't believe Briony didn't get through the public love her! I hope Siobhan wins she's beautiful and has an amazing voice!
Penny
Thank god Emilie has gone - what an attitude can you imagine haveing to work wih her she already thought she new more than the coaches!! Great to see Siobhan back she is one of the better contestants for looks and voice.
Linda
Siobhan went to my daughters high school, so I've watched her in the school productions. I know she has a fantastic singing voice and she is also a really talented actress. I'm glad she is getting a second chance to show what she is made of.
Sarah
I agree with the comments about Briony, she was a character and had a fantastic singing voice as well. She would have made a fantastic maria - never mind my support is for Connie now
Staci
Briony is the epitomises Maria in every sense and was perfect for the role. I am shocked and dissappointed that they couldn't see this and have not let her into the final ten. There is nobody in the final ten that feels like Maria to me. They all feel to contrived and in control. Briony may have needed lots of help to get her up to West End standards but they should have done this for her. What a huge mistake.
Jennifer
Siabhan was without doubt my favourite, so glad to hear she is back in & very much the part - Emilie just was not the grade.
I'm also a huge fan of Simona who has come so far to get this length.
Great Saturday night entertainment though I don't think you will ever find another Julia Andrews!
Great show and cannot wait for the final I thought cannot decide between the two above mentioned they just seem to have the look which best suits the part and that there singing was amazing!
Rose Teasdale
What an interesting line-up of potential Marias. Whoever is chosen, it would be nice if she looked slightly older that Liesel. My vote goes to Connie
lucy lodge
siobhan is beautiful no doubt and would make a lovely leading lady in another show but she's too controlled and self concious for maria. we need connie she looks like maria, sings beautiflly and isn't afraid to act a fool which is the most important thing
Sue
How do you solve a problem like Briony? She MUST come back!
Kay Watson
Briony walked like a carthorse - and she needed 3 tries to get through first auditions!!!
Simona should go - if she hasn't lost her accent in 4 and half years she doesn't stand a chance of losing it for the show - but I think she's be fab in Evita!!
Love Siobhan but Connie seems to have everything they're looking for - convenient that she's done lots of West End auditions before.
Liked Emilie's look but not her attitude.
Roll on Saturday!
Margaret Challinor
I'm glad Emilie decided to leave. Did you hear her comment when she and the other girl were called back to 'sing it out' at ALW's? When asked what they sang she replied 'the Hills are alive, as if we're not sick of this song already!'. Well if she thought that then, what commitment would there have been for the show??!
Terina Morgans
I love Siobhan's voice but surely Maria is pretty rather than drop dead gorgeous. I'd love seeing her on the west end stage just not convinced she's right nfor this role. What about Leanne? She seems to have a lot of the right qualities.
Alexis
Glad Emilie left, she was a loner and would have been difficult to work with. All the talent in the world can not be overcome by someone who cannot work as a team. Connie is without a doubt Maria and Leanne should be Lisel. Bring Briony back as one of the children.
Gail Corbould
Devastated! Briony was Maria. You cannot teach someone how to light up the screen with innocent quality, she just had it naturally. She made me cry twice. Bring her back, she is the only one I want to vote for.
Stella Feldman
Rather than the part of Maria, I think Siobhan would make an ideal Baroness. She is tall, stately and beautiful. No way a Maria.
Helen Smith
I had to be careful not to shout out too loud a resounding "YES!!" to Siobhan being in the final 10. I had thought it very unfair that the other 2 got a chance to sing again meaning Siobhan was pushed out. I thought at least she should have had the same chance as them!! Glad to see other people hold the same opinion as me that she should have been in the last 10. just remeber to vote for her to keep her in!!!
Tracy
I have known Abi since I taught her at school - when I saw her on Saturday - I instantly said - She is PERFECT for the part - fun loving, great sense of humour, and the most incredible voice i have ever heard - we are with you all the way!!!!
Kate
Go Simona! With the right help it is certainly possible to lose the romanian accent in time, and she has more passion and commitment than I have seen in anyone.
Jackie
Why are the Judges worried about Simona, the real Maria Von Trapp was Austrian, wouldn't she have had an accent also?
Amanda Beale
That must have been fate - Emilie was DEFINITELY wrong and Siobhan is DEFINITELY right. I can't imagine what the judges were thinking on Saturday night. I would also dearly love to see Briony come back to give it a go -she has many of Maria's characteristics.
Matt
Leanne has to be the best potential maria. She is young, good looking and had a beautiful voice. She also has real star quality. Just you watch!
Sue
I'm delighted Siobhan replaced Emilie, her attitude is so geat compared to Emilies negativity, she gets my vote, although I reckon some other TV pundits would have had their eyes on her by now as she is so talented! Shame about Briony being asked to leave, she was great TV...
M J Bull
A wise decision by Emilie as in all honesty she was never ever going to be our Maria - too much attitude! And now we have our true 10 Maria's now that the lovely and talented Siobhan is back where she belongs. Let's hope she can now prove the judges wrong and has recovered from her cold. A fantastic show! Good luck to all the girls, we are in for a treat over the next few weeks.
Ryan
Awww no Kirsty any more! What a shame! But great final line-up! Im gobsmacked that Emilies decision but i was devestated that Siobhan wasnt through-now she is!! One question-Why is Briony not in the final ten????
Alison French
I'm so glad that Siobhan got another chance as she was my favourite and I was very disappointed that she wasn't amongst the top ten, glad that Emilie dropped out as I wasn't sure her attitude was right. The cast will need to be a team and must all pull together and she didn't seem like a team player.
Elaine
What an entertaining programme.
My favourite potential Maria is Connie, without a doubt. She would fit into the role perfectly.
Glad that Emilie has dropped out. Ok, she could sing but she didnt have the full package that is required for a role of this nature. Add to that one of the worst diva-like attitudes ever!
lulu
i can't believe that briony didn't get through! I think that Siobhan on Simona should be Maria
judith
Right from the first time there was no question who should be Maria.Siobham was both beautiful and had a gorgeous voice.There was no other choice so I was amazed that she was not in the last ten,- what is everyone thinking about?
Alison
Oh no -- what happened to the lovely Briony!!! We are devastated.
Jo
I am really glad Siobhan gets her chance now, I was devastated when she was knocked out and I didn't really like Emilie.
Susan Alcock
We are absolutely flabagasted that dear Briony was not among the final 10. Bring her back and make the 10 into 11. The public will want to vote on her suitability, which has lit up the tv over the past two weeks. BRING BACK BRIONY - otherwise the show will be a drab affair. So say lots and lots of us down here in Devon....
loving the show
glad Emilie decided to leave her ego would have just got in her way. Good choice on other girls can't wait till saturday night. Good Luck everyone
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