BBC, Webber confirm 'The Wizard Of Oz'

The BBC has confirmed that it has commissioned The Wizard Of Oz, a reality series which will search for castmembers for the forthcoming Andrew Lloyd Webber production.

The series, which will be similar in format to How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? and Any Dream Will Do, will be hosted by Graham Norton.

Earlier this year, it was reported that Webber had pulled out of the project after he admitted there was a rift between him and the BBC.

However, Webber today revealed that the reality project is still going ahead, saying: "Our previous musical talent searches have provided an incredible shot in the arm for musical theatre in Britain and I can't wait to work with the BBC again in the hunt for Dorothy - an iconic role of course made famous by a young Judy Garland in the film in 1939, but, as a cat man myself, however, I approach casting Toto with considerable trepidation."

Controller Jay Hunt added: "The Wizard Of Oz is one of the great musicals and I am sure BBC One audiences will delight in having a front row seat in the casting of a new musical star."