Andrew Lloyd Webber has been defending his Sound Of Music reality show project again, after allegations over the weekend that the TV search for the lead of the West End revival was fixed - allegations seemingly based on rumours that winner Connie Fisher was already recording a CD before the show's final vote was taken.
Responding to those allegations, Lloyd Webber told the BBC yesterday that he was considering libel action over the allegations, adding: "We had no idea who was going to win it. I don't see how you could fix it. I didn't know until three minutes before the end of the show."
Lloyd Webber also denied reports that Fisher's understudy had quit acrimoniously. As previously reported, an understudy was hired for the lead role of Maria in the new production of the Sound Of Music, and she was told to expect to perform in at least half of the performances of the revival, because of concerns as to how many shows a week the winner of the reality show would be capable of. The understudy, one Emma Williams, reportedly quit the production after Lloyd Webber said he was seriously considering Fisher's request to perform at every show - something that would leave Williams with very little to do.
In another interview with the BBC Lloyd Webber said: "Emma said that under the circumstances, she didn't feel she wanted to stay", but said her departure had been "perfectly amicable".
Despite the stresses surrounding the show, Lloyd Webber says he's planning an American version, possibly around his own musical Jesus Christ Superstar.