Alan Carr has landed a new judging role on an ITV show after being 'snubbed' on Britain's Got Talent.
There had been talk that it was a two horse race between the comedian - who is also great friends with current judge Amanda Holden - and Strictly Come Dancing star Bruno Tonioli to be named the new judge.
Simon Cowell had to replace David Walliams, who stepped down last series amid claims he had used derogatory language to describe contestants.
Bruno now sits alongside Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Simon Cowell on the panel, with him being a hit with viewers. Alan, meanwhile, will now sit as a judge on a brand new show to find some West End stars.
MAMMA MIA! I Have a Dream will see a string of hopefuls head to the beautiful Greek islands in a bid to compete for lead roles as Sophie and Sky in the hit global musical. The contestants will be judged as well as mentored by stars from the industry, as they are put through their paces in singing, dancing and acting workshops.
Speaking about his new role, Alan shared: "Getting to judge on one of my favourite musicals in one of my favourite locations ever is literally my dream job. A whole lot of feta and a whole lot of ABBA - perfection!"
He will be joined alongside singer songwriter Jessie Ware, Glee star and Olivier Award winner Amber Riley as well as West End icon Samantha Barks, who is currently starring in the musical Frozen.
Amber shared: "I'm really excited to be a part of such an incredible project. Musical theatre has played such an integral role in my growth as a performer. I am all too happy to share what I’ve learned and to cheer on the world’s next biggest stars!"
Samantha has experience of a reality show like this, having taken part in I'd Do Anything, which aimed to find someone to play Nancy on the West End. She partook in the hit series of the BBC show.
"For sure they are going to go on a really hard journey, it’s going to be so much fun, but it’s going to be like the movie! We’re going to be in Greece, the sun will be shining, and I cannot wait for you guys to watch it," she said.
"I just feel so honoured to get to be on the judging panel because I know what they’re going through, I’ve been there before and I can’t wait to guide them, challenge them, and be there for them."
The show will be hosted by Radio 2 DJ Zoe Ball, who added: "Our contestants are going to go through quite the journey, believe me, but like the show and like the movie, there is going to be song, there is going to be dance and there’s going to be fun in the sun."
Britain's Got Talent boss Simon Cowell previously insisted Alan "understood" why he didn't get the role.
Simon previously revealed: "I think Amanda was disappointed because they are really good friends. In fact I saw Alan a couple of days after Bruno was announced and, you know, he was really cool about it. He said, 'I totally understand, that’s showbusiness.'
Either would have worked. Both of them met the series producers. I said to them, 'Look, you have to take the final decision yourselves'. They said we are going with Bruno and I said fine. I’m sure Alan would have been brilliant and I know Alan, but not as well as Bruno."
