Northern stars show the way

11:10am Friday 6th June 2008

DON'T you just love it when the underdog comes out on top in any kind of contest - especially if they are northern?

Last weekend we saw unlikely winners in the finals of I'd Do Anything (BBC1, Saturday) and Britain's Got Talent (ITV1, Saturday). Blackpool's Jodie Prenger and Warrington's George Sampson were the viewers' choices in the two contests.

Buxom Jodie won the role of Nancy, despite Oliver producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh saying he preferred her rival finalist Jessie. No pressure than, as she faces six months of preparing for her West End debut under his sceptical eye!

Britain's Got Talent was supposed to be won by one of the singing teenagers, Faryl Smith and Andrew Johnston, according to the bookies. Even Gin the dog and her owner Kate were thought to be in with a better chance than George.

The great British public, however, thought differently and voted the young street dancer and his Singing in the Rain routine as the top act, rounding off a brilliant night for north west talent.