The Story So Far

We look back at the whole I'd Do Anything journey

Can it really be the final tomorrow? Can it really be over two months ago, after regional auditions, callbacks and Nancy School, that our Saturday nights were destined to never be the same again as the I'd Do Anything journey began?

We had our 12 potential Nancys – Amy, Ashley, Cleo, Francesca, Jessie, Jodie, Keisha, Niamh, Rachel, Samantha, Sarah and Tara – each with their designated Nancy colour, and boy, did they look the part! Under the watchful eye of John, Denise, Barry and of course the Lord himself, Andrew Lloyd Webber, the girls were ready to give it their all every week, with that Nancy role as the ultimate goal.

We also had out 12 potential Olivers - Alexander, Arthur, Chester, Gareth, Gwion, Harry, Jonny, Jordan, Joseph, Kwayedza and Sam. Cameron and Andrew and the panel were to choose 1 Oliver to go through to the semi-final after each weekly task , ultimately choosing 3 to play the role of Oliver in the forthcoming West End production.

In the first live show, the Nancys said their first 'Cheerio but be back soon' to Amy, after Andrew chose to save her sing-off partner, Francesca. It was a tearful farewell, but Andrew consoled her, 'you've done so well to come this far. Remember how many of our Marias have gone on to do so many other things.' Meanwhile, Gwion was the first Oliver to be given his cap and a place in the semi-final.

Week two and the gloves were off – the Nancy's upped their game, fighting for their place in the competition. But it was Keisha and Cleo who didn't hit the high notes with the public vote this time, landing them in the bottom two. Andrew was torn, saying, 'this is the most difficult situation I think I've had on any of the programmes so far,' but decided to save Keisha and send Cleo home. And for the Olivers, Chester was next to get his cap and a place to join Gwion in the semi-final.

In week three the two lowest voted Nancys were Tara and Keisha. Each hoping to win over Andrew, they sang Wizard of Oz classic Somewhere Over the Rainbow. 'Two very talented performers' said Andrew, 'but I've got to think about the eight shows a week aspect.' Finally he made his choice - and Keisha was saved for the second time. Tara remained upbeat, despite her battle with bronchitis, saying, 'I've learnt so much from these amazing teachers.' And in Oliver world, Arthur was the next to claim a place in the semi-final.

Ashley and Francesca received the lowest number of votes from the public in week four. 'Both of them sang wonderfully, and it was an extraordinary sing-off,' explained Andrew. This time he went with the views of the panel and chose to save Ashley, but not without some words of encouragement for Francesca. 'I do feel you've got a fantastic career as a professional actress and it's going to be the beginning of a long road for you.' And Kwayedza was the next Oliver through to the semi-finals.

In week five, Keisha and Niamh found themselves in the bottom two. After performing a Bette Midler classic, The Rose, it was over to Andrew. And he wasn't happy. 'I'm going to say this is a complete and utter travesty, neither of you should be in the bottom two, it's completely wrong. For the first time on a television show, I am angry.' But with the decision in his hands, he gave Niamh the chance to stay, but had kind words for Keisha. 'You were absolutely wonderful and all I can say is that I'll do anything I can to help you.' And for the Olivers, the next one through to the semi-finals was Alexander.

Week six and Rachel and Sarah were the unlucky pair with the lowest votes, and sang an emotional rendition of As If We Never Said Goodbye from Sunset Boulevard in the sing-off. Andrew was torn once again, saying, 'I've been given a real googly again tonight.' But after much deliberation, he decided it was the end of the road for Sarah. He explained, 'I have to think as a producer and I do think Rachel was rock solid, and there were moments when I did think that maybe you were a bit fragile.' And as for the Olivers, the next cap was awarded to Harry.

We hit the halfway mark in week seven, with only six remaining Nancys in the competition. This week Ashley and Niamh found themselves in the sing-off and had the daunting task of singing a song close to Andrew's heart - Don't Cry For Me, Argentina, from the musical Evita. 'I've said Niamh is a little young for this, and I was very hard on you, Ashley,' mused Andrew. 'But in the end, I've got to save Niamh.' And in the Oliver bubble, Laurence was the next boy through to the semi-finals.

In week eight the pressure was on as the five remaining Nancys battled for a place in the semi-finals. Niamh and Rachel found themselves going head-to-head in the sing-off, where they performed Another Suitcase in another Hall from Evita – another of Andrew's own songs. It was another tough decision for him, but in the end he saved Rachel. He had words of encouragement for Niamh however, adding, 'your voice just needs time to mature and I wouldn't be surprised if you weren't up for a major leading role when you're 20!' And Johnny was the 8th and last Oliver to secure his place in the semi-finals.

Which brings us up to last weekend, the semi-final, where out remaining four Nancys gave it their absolute all, fighting for a place in this week's all important final. It was a corker of a night, with Rachel stealing the show with her performance of 'Cabaret'. With four such talented girls left in the competition, it was destined to be dramatic, no matter who ended up in the sing-off. But it was Rachel and Samantha who had to face Andrew as he made his last save of the series, he declared, 'I've got to think of where the show ultimately for Cameron is going to go, and I think I have to go with you Samantha.' So sadly, it was time for Rachel to say 'cheerio.'

But the semi-final night was the most important night for Olivers, as the three boys chosen to take the West End role were announced – Gwion, Harry and Laurence!

So here we are, it's been a rollercoaster ride of emotion, and there's no doubt that we've all been on one amazing journey! But tomorrow night you will be casting your votes for who you want in the role, and we will hear those magical words, '...you ARE Nancy!'

So tune in! BBC One, 6pm, and then 8.45pm for the results show.

We can't wait..!