But she has only been cast in roles where she was appropriate for the character.

There are many, many parts she would never land

The same with all performers

Just because you can sing and act doesn't mean you are right for every role out there

Camilla posting -

Being petite never stopped Elaine Paige or Kristin Chenoweth so I don't see why it should stop Sarah whatsoever. I'm the same height as her (4ft11). And although many of the Oliver boys would probably tower over her, it shouldn't stop her being motherly towards them.

Being short doesn't stop you being a performer

Being short does - HOWEVER - stop you from being right for every single role on offer

Casting isn't just about talent - it never has been and it never will be

Of course physical suitability often plays a part in casting. Directors & producers needs to think of the overall package not just the voice.

However, IMO being petite is not usually a barrier for actresses. In general audiences accept shorter than average female leads much more so than tall women who tower over the male lead!

Who is going to play Bill ?

Nick Knowles is the name being bandied around

Danny Dyer was touted - but I can't see that happening

Oh yes I heard Nick Knowles ...NicK Knowles ????

Thanks for the reminder

Being petite shouldn't matter, but it does. However Sarah has a brilliant voice and I don't even notice her height at all when she's on the stage.

The thing with the TV process is that you rarely get to see group shots for long enough to compare these things. Only when the two come forward for comments do people stand still enough.

Plus the camera is always going to focus on the face and not show relative heights - tis the nature of the beast

It might be an issue if the part of Bill Sikes was played by someone like Darius (v unlikely to be him, I know, but someone of similar physical stature).

Aren't all the girls on the short side or just about average. I wouldn't say any of them were over 5ft5

I always think Ashley and Jessie appear to be quite tall... I'm not actually sure why I think that, they just come accross as tall. Haha.

I'll keep an eye out for that tonight, (jessies hair might give her some extra height ).

Another five foot nothinger here.

Was that daft hairstyle they lumbered Sarah with tonight a pathetic attempt to give her some (unnecessary) height or just a big mistake? They had no idea how to dress her, and that does make a difference.

It's more about type casting than anything else. My guess is that the Nancy they pick won't look that different to the Nancy in the last Cameron Mackintosh production of Oliver.

Sarah will be very successful after this and it may be an advantage not to have the Nancy locket hanging round her neck forever more.

Darius is busy doing 'Gone with the Wind' - yes, seriously!

I know.

I heard he was actually quite good...

I always quite fancied Darius

But I'll never forget Popstars: "Can you feel the love in the room?"