'Over the Rainbow' - Lloyd Webber to find Dorothy

Graham Norton admits to marvelling at the strength of Andrew Lloyd Webber in the wake of his illness.


Speaking at the launch of the new BBC search for a West End Star, Over the Rainbow, Norton spoke about how Lloyd Webber has had a rollercoaster year and dealt with it in his own way, emersing himself in his work.


Only this month his Phantom of the Opera sequel Love never Dies, opened in London and now he embarks on a gruelling series for the BBC.


Unlike previous years his job has not been to simply find a star, but he has also written seven new songs for the eventual West End show.


Perhaps the biggest headache for him this year though, will be finding a Toto to compliment his Dorothy.


In much the same way that the Oliver's were selected last series, Toto will be wittled down from 10 prospective pups by the Lord.


With his illness, pressure on his new show and taking on possibly his biggest and grandest stage extravaganza yet in The Wizard of Oz, 2010 is set to be as busy a year yet for him, but it is a challenge that everyone in the industry will believe he is up to.