Viewers of Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream was stunned by the judges’ choice for the show when the first episode aired on Sunday.
The ITV show sees fourteen hopefuls competing to be cast as Sophie and Sky in a new West End adaptation of the Mamma Mia film.
Named after the iconic ABBA song and filmed over eight weeks on the Greek island of Corfu, the contestants live in a Greek villa while taking part in the competition.
Seven boys and seven girls will have to impress judges including singer Jessie Ware, comedian Alan Carr, Frozen star Samantha Barks and Glee’s Amber Riley.
But while people watching at home could understand why Samantha and Amber were booked for the jury appearance, they were less sure about Alan and Jessie.
The panel: Viewers of Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream was stunned by the judges’ choice for the show when the first episode aired on Sunday (L-R: Samantha Barks, Alan Carr, Amber Riley and Jessie Ware)
Competition: The ITV show sees 14 hopefuls compete to impress the judges in a bid to be cast as Sophie and Sky in a new West End adaptation of the Mamma Mia film (L-R: Amber, Samantha, Jessie and Alan)
Taking to Twitter, one person wrote: ‘As for the #MammaMia judges, I get Samantha Barks and Amber Riley, they’ve both done West End theater but I’ve never heard of ‘pop star’ Jessie Ware and although I love Alan Carr?’
Someone else posted: ‘Okay, so I understand Amber Riley – yes, Jessie Ware – yes, Samantha Barks – yes…but Alan Carr?? I do not understand?
‘I love Alan as a comedian, but he has nothing to say to the jury? Very bizarre choice.’
“Swap Alan Carr (why, seriously) for Elaine Paige, and we’ll have a dream! #MammaMia #IHaveADream,” said another viewer.
While someone else commented: ‘Get all the judge’s picks except Alan Carr.’
Another viewer posted: ‘Amber Riley & Samantha Barks…I get it. Jesse Ware and Alan Carr…I’m not so sure.
‘But I live for it anyway. #Mama Mia.”
Someone else commented: ‘#IHaveADream talented industry judges… And Alan Carr.’
Watched: While people watching at home could understand why Samantha and Amber were booked for the jury appearance, they were less sure about Alan and Jessie
Funnyman: While some viewers were unsure about Alan’s place on the jury, others were happy to see him bring his humor to the table
Another viewer had a more positive view of Alan and Jessie, writing: ‘I’m very much here for Jessie Ware and Alan Carr together but that’s it so far.’
And someone else said: ‘The judges are so great together. I’m also obsessed with Alan and Jessie together.’
The participants were put to the test in energetic choreographed dance and music numbers set to ABBA songs.
Opening the show, host Zoe Ball said: ‘Greece, beautiful island, sun and sea, and home to the iconic Mamma Mia.
‘We’re here to find out who will be the next iconic Sophie and Sky in the West End.
Living the dream: Named after the iconic ABBA song and filmed over eight weeks on the Greek island of Corfu, the contestants live in a Greek villa while taking part in the competition (L-R: Contestants Stephanie and Maddy pictured)
Challenged: Contestants were put to the test in energetic choreographed dance and music numbers to ABBA songs on Sunday (L-R: Contestants Tobias, Craig and Marcellus)
Success: All hopefuls made it to the second episode as no one was eliminated this week (L-R: Host Zoe Ball and contestants Marcellus, Tobias, Craig, Darcy, Callum, Owen, Zachkiel, Maisie, Stevie, Desmonda, Maddy, Stephanie, Lea and Esme )
“But who has what it takes?”
Contestants Desmonda, Esme, Leah, Maddy, Maisie, Stephanie and Stevie, and Callum, Craig, Darcy, Marcellus, Owen, Tobias and Zachkiel will all compete against each other during the series.
All the hopefuls made it to the second episode, as no one was eliminated this week.
Mama Mia! I Have a Dream continues on Sunday October 29 at 6.15pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
Back again: Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream continues on Sunday 29 October at 6.15pm on ITV1 and ITVX (L-R: judges Alan and Jessie, presenter Zoe, and judges Amber and Samantha)