Judges on BBC's I'd Do Anything – the prime time TV search for the female lead in a new West End production of Oliver! – united in praise of the Fylde lass.

See Jodie's audition here

After belting out a showstopping solo of Adele's Chasing Pavements in Saturday's show of the televised talent search, Judge John Barrowman told Jodie she was a serious contender for the role.

He said: "I love you to death, you connected with everyone and told the story – that's Nancy!"

Fellow panel member Denise Van Outen said: "Nancy needs to have a lot of life experience and I see that coming through in your performance. It was brilliant."

Barry Humphries, who played Fagin in the original Lionel Bart stage production, said: "You've got that toughness and also a tenderness.

"A beautiful performance."

Chief judge Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber said Jodie could "absolutely play this role."

Jodie, 28, of Newton Drive, was blown away. "It's so overwhelming – I never thought I would make it from Manchester to here."

She won her place on the show after beating of competition from hundreds of hopefuls who attended the Manchester auditions.

On Saturday the show went live for the first time when millions of viewers tuned in and cast their votes to decide which two of the 12 Nancy contenders should sing for survival in Sunday's results show.

Jodie's performance in Sunday's group song was singled out for praise by Denise Van Outen.

"I love your vocals, you just melt me," she said.

Jodie said: "It was scary but I loved it. Keep everything crossed. I'm just off to get my next song!"