The 'new Bill Sykes' would do ANYTHING to avoid Lloyd-Webber's Nancys

 Add your view

Criticism: Actor Danny Dyer - who has been offered the role of Bill Sykes in the West End production - has slammed the Nancys from BBC show I'd Do Anything

He revealed he has been offered the role of Bill Sykes in the new West End production of Oliver! and will star opposite the winning Nancy from BBC1's reality show I'll Do Anything.

But the 30-year-old actor was far from complimentary about the contestants on Andrew Lloyd Webber's TV talent search for the next Oliver and Nancy.

At a party last night, Dyer, best-known for the film The Football Factory, said: "I don't fancy any of those Nancys, they're all rubbish. It's more like 'I'll do anything to be on TV'."

Dyer will also be starring alongside Rowan Atkinson as Fagin, but admitted that he was apprehensive about appearing in a musical.

He said: "The producers approached me and offered me the role of Sykes, but I'm terrified about singing on stage.

"Luckily I'll only have to sing one song."

Scroll down for more...

'Rubbish': The Nancys with presenter of the show Graham Norton. Dyer has revealed that he doesn't think much of the Nancy contenders

The BBC series started with 12 wannabes fighting it out for the chance to be Nancy. But the programme, which follows similar talent hunts for The Sound Of Music and Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, has come under fire from Old Vic artistic director Kevin Spacey for using taxpayers' money to promote such big shows.

Dyer's agent today confirmed the actor has been in talks with the show's producers about the Sikes role but would not confirm any further details.

 

What's on today   What's on tomorrow

Games

Receive our newsletter