I'd Do Anything / Editor / 15 May 2008 / Leave a comment

Heavyweight battle for West End stardom is now one heavyweight less...

ASHLEY had to go.

And congratulations to all of you took the tip and realised that the Sarah Ferguson stunt double stood more chance of being Fagin as she did of being Nancy.

"Nobody Does It Better," said Ashley with gusto, giving full throat to an opinion that at least six other people took issue with.

And that group included Andrew Lloyd Webber, who was made to choose between Ashley and Niamh.

"I've said Niamh is a little young for this, and I was very hard on you, Ashley," said ALW. "In the end, I've got to save Niamh."

ALW went on to say what "a fantastic talent" Ashley is with no hint of exaggeration. He then directed her to the exit.

And that leaves Niamh to stand over the stage's trapdoor. Says Niamh ([28.0] to be Nancy; [1.9] favourite to go next): "My game plan for the quarter-finals is to be as feisty and aggressive as I possibly can, whilst not harming the judges."

Is that a threat?

Niamh looks as though she would struggle to damage a snowflake, but she does have those haunting big eyes that, when looked into, reveal a person's fate.

Either Niamh wears dark glasses and the judges gaze at their shoes or else she goes through.

And that leaves Rachel in the firing line.

She's been on the drift from hot favourite of few weeks back to [7.8]. But she will stay another week or two. Though lacking in charm, Rachel can hit the right notes when required.

And instead of her punters should look to Jodie, whose efforts are more suggestive of enthusiastic amateur than jobbing professional.

Jodie is [6.4] to be next out. Says Jodie: "I'm going to use Ashley's fighting spirit to get me through. I'm not going to lie to you; it has been tough and so quiet. Maybe I'll start talking to myself."

Hang on in there, Jodie. You'll be seeing Ashley soon enough...

Tags: andrew lloyd webber, ashley, jodie