91Èȱ¬

Steph Fearon's West End dream is over as she becomes the eighth contestant to be eliminated from 91Èȱ¬ One's Over The Rainbow.

In yesterday's live show, all four remaining Dorothy finalists performed solo renditions of pop songs to show viewers that they have the singing skill and sheer charisma to carry one of the most challenging roles in musical theatre. After a public vote during the live Saturday night show, Lauren and Steph were revealed to be the least popular Dorothys and Andrew Lloyd Webber decided to save Lauren, so Steph became the eighth Dorothy to leave the competition.

After performing their songs and receiving feedback from Andrew Lloyd Webber and the expert panel of Sheila Hancock, Charlotte Church and John Partridge, the Dorothys faced a nervous wait for viewers to cast their votes.

On Steph's performance John said: "I've always said I'm looking for a triple threat, and of all the girls left you are definitely that girl. You came to your first audition with a flower on your face for luck. It takes more than luck to make it in this industry, it takes talent and a break. You've got the talent and I hope that the public give you a break."

Charlotte said: "Outstanding vocal performance... it was a man's song and a classic – so hard to bring something new to it. I love the colour of your voice in the lower register, it could be great for Dorothy."

Sheila added: "Great – as far as the lyrics go, I don't know what it all means, but you made it sound like something."

Andrew Lloyd Webber said: "You did very well with a difficult song, a pop song. I would have played it a bit more innocently as that's what we are looking for with Dorothy."

Before announcing who was in the bottom two, Graham asked each panel member who "wasn't Dorothy". The panel were united in their decision, all three saying "Steph."

Steph and Lauren gained the least amount of public votes, and had to sing a rendition of Another Suitcase In Another Hall from Evita. Then it was up to Andrew Lloyd Webber alone to choose which Dorothy should be saved for another performance.

Andrew said: "I'm glad it's the last time I have to make this decision. I know you all so well now, it's like family. I feel dreadful that I have to take a decision on who is best for Dorothy. I'm going to save Lauren."

On hearing the announcement, Steph said: "I had the best time of my life. I've made friends for life. I've learnt so much. Thanks to everyone backstage – you're all amazing. I've had the time of my life."

Now left in the running for the role of Dorothy are: Lauren Samuels, Danielle Hope and Sophie Evans. The three remaining hopefuls will go on to next week's final, when the nation alone will decide who will be Dorothy.

Notes to Editors

Main show – Saturday:
Opening performance: Together Wherever We Go – from Gypsy

Dorothy solo performances:
Danielle Hope – When You Believe, Whitney Houston & Mariah Carey
Steph Fearon – Rule The World, Take That
Sophie Evans – Reflection, Christina Aguilera
Lauren Samuels – Heaven, Bryan Adams / Slow DJ Sammy Version

Mission Song – performed by all four remaining Dorothys: Can't Say No – From Oklahoma

Duets:
Danielle & Lauren: Popular – from Wicked
Sophie & Steph: I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair – from South Pacific

Results show – Sunday:
Opening performance: Together Wherever We Go – from Gypsy
Mash Up – performed by all four remaining Dorothys: Singin' in the Rain & Umbrella – from Singin' In The Rain / Rhianna
Guest Performance by Sierra Boggess: Love Never Dies – from Love Never Dies
Sing-off performance (bottom two Dorothys): Another Suitcase In Another Hall – from Evita.
Goodbye Song: We Thank You Sweetly / Over the Rainbow – from The Wizard Of Oz

CS