Production Diary

Pete talks about the run-up to the semi-final

Of the thousands that auditioned, only four remain as Nancyland prepares for the I'd Do Anything semi-finals!

Over the last couple of weeks, I've spent a lot of my time back in the office. With lots of things to arrange like the last two missions, I have been at my desk with my phone glued to my ear! And thank goodness for the internet – can you imagine how a Dickensian researcher must have got by?

I've also been out and about buying props for this weeks mission and took to the markets of London to get the best bargains – I thought about sending the Olivers out to see if they could pick a pocket or two and get their hands on all the things on the shopping list! But taking the sensible option and not wanting to land the boys in trouble, I grabbed my wallet and headed out myself – I'm sure Nancy would be proud!

Last Friday I managed to get down to the studio for a bit to watch the Nancys and last year's Josephs rehearse. Whilst I was there, I had to take the opportunity to have my picture taken in the Lord's throne! A few weeks ago, I stood in for Barry in dress rehearsals, secretly wishing I was in Andrew's seat, pretending to make West End dreams come true! So finally getting to grace the Lord's throne was (in the words of John Barrowman) 'fantastic, fantastic, fantastic!'

I stayed around to watch the girls rehearsing for their group number, 'I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair', and Jessie in particular found the whole experience of sitting in a metal tub absolutely hilarious!

The rest of the film team have been busy filming rehearsals and travelling the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland to continue to capture all things Nancy on camera. Emma, who is one of the film team directors, spent last week following the Nancy's every move as she gathered footage for last weekend's film all about a week in the life of a Nancy. She wasn't complaining though, as it meant she got to rub shoulders with all the stars when the girls went to the Sex and the City premiere!

In only two weeks time, just one Nancy will be swapping TV studio for West End stage. So consider yourself well in as we continue to bring all the Oom-Pah-Pah you need, straight to your living room!