Dawn French reveals the 'failure' which cost her Mamma Mia! role
Dawn joined Fleur East!
Last updated 16th Oct 2023
Dawn French has revealed that she previously went for a role in the iconic Mamma Mia! film. Speaking to Fleur East, James Barr and Producer Matt on Saturday Mornings with Fleur East, Dawn explained that she had auditioned for the hugely popular film, but struggled with singing.
When asked if it was true that she had tried out for a part, Dawn said: "It was a massive failure, it was huge. Now this came as a massive shock to me. Massive shock.
"But apparently, I can't sing. Can you believe it, Fleur? I can sing in my car, in my shower - in fact, I'm sort of magnificent there. But when asked to do it in front of a musical director, every single god of voice and throat abandoned me, and I could only stay on one note. It was absolutely remarkable. I don't know what happened to me."
Dawn's audition woes were heightened when she saw the final movie and heard the songs in the film. She added: "When I saw it, I could not believe that those were the actual voices and that's how bad I was. It was really one of the saddest things in my life."
Talking about her latest tour, Dawn described it as an 'old lady' tour, as she does four gigs a week - something that Dawn says allows her to spend three nights at home 'eating tea and biscuits'.
Dawn is currently on her 'Dawn French is a Huge T---' tour and is visiting a host of venues across the UK, before finishing the tour in Bath in November.
She has also now released her book The T--- Files. The book looks back at some of the moments in Dawn's life she deems to be cringeworthy as she celebrates the messiness of being human.
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Catch Fleur East every weekday morning on Hits Radio from 6am. Wake The Fun up with Fleur joined by the biggest names in music, movies and entertainment.
Take a look at Fleur East's career journey:
The X Factor (2005)
Fleur East was a contestant on The X Factor back in 2005 as part of Addictiv Ladies. The group consisted of Fleur with her childhood friends, Nicola Owusu-Akontoh, Stephanie Yamson and Vivienne Umeh. They were mentored by Simon Cowell, but were eliminated in the first week. The band went their separate ways after taking part in The X Factor.
Tour with DJ Fresh (2012)
Fleur sang on DJ Fresh's song 'Turn It Up' and toured with the DJ throughout 2012. Speaking about her performance at V Festival with the 'Hot Right Now' DJ, Fleur said: "We got the chance to perform on the 4 Music stage in place of Nicki Minaj (who couldn't make it) and it was an incredible experience!! There were something like 60,000 people in the audience and it was so surreal."
The X Factor (2014)
Fleur returned to The X Factor as a solo contestant in 2014, this time she had more success on the show, getting all the way through to the final. Fleur's first song on the show was John Legend's 'Ordinary People', which gave her three 'yes' votes.
'Uptown Funk' performance on The X Factor
In the semi-final of The X Factor, Fleur performed 'Uptown Funk' by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars. Although not released as an official single by Fleur, the song was so popular with the audience that it went to Number 1 on the iTunes chart. Fleur became the first X Factor contestant to reach Number 1 during the competition.
Debut single 'Sax' (2015)
'Sax' was Fleur East's debut single after The X Factor. The song was a massive hit in 2015. The song reached Number 3 in the UK and was certified Platinum. Speaking about her debut song, she said she wanted her music to be fun to listen to and that's what 'Sax' is for her.
Debut album 'Love, Sax and Flashbacks' (2015)
In the same year that Fleur had huge success with 'Sax', she released her debut album, 'Love, Sax and Flashbacks'. The album reached Number 14 in the UK and featured 12 songs, including her hits 'Sax' and The X Factor song 'Uptown Funk'. Nine of the 12 songs on 'Love, Sax and Flashbacks' were co-written by Fleur.
Fleur East appeared on I'm a Celebrity (2018)
In 2018, Fleur was back in the public eye appearing on series 18 of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! The radio presenter was eliminated 8th, from the show that was eventually won by Harry Redknapp. Fleur later said that they were like family. In the Jungle Arms, the campmates took part in a little karaoke, when Fleur's song 'Sax' came on and they all tried to learn her dance routine, but Harry wasn't convinced.
Fleur East joined Hits Radio (2019)
Fleur joined became a breakfast show presenter on Hits Radio in July 2019.
Fleur surprises fans with a performance at Hits Live (2019)
Fleur took to the stage for a surprise performance at Hits Live Birmingham, performing 'Sax' and 'Size'. Armed with dancers, pyrotechnics and amazing vocals, Fleur looked phenomenal with her changed-up hairstyle.
'Size' was used in a TV advert (2019)
'Size' was the ever-catchy release from Fleur in the autumn of 2019. The song was also featured in the Debenhams Christmas advert.
Fleur reveals dates Fleur East: The Fearless Experience (2020)
Fleur's first UK headline tour, 'Fleur East: The Fearless Experience', was announced in early 2020, however unfortunately due to the Coronavirus pandemic it has been postponed.
Fleur confirms first song of 2020, 'Lucky'
'Lucky' fuses rhythmic percussion, smooth vocals and a pulsating bass line. Speaking about her excitement for her new release, Fleur said: "I'm really excited for people to hear 'Lucky'. It's such an uplifting, feel good song with a positive message. It's all about being grateful for the blessings you have in your life, and understanding that everything worth having is hard work."
Fleur annnounces second album 'Fearless' (2020)
After much teasing, Fleur East has confirmed her second album would be called 'Fearless' and out in March 2020, featuring songs from the past few years like 'Lucky'.
Fleur releases 'Not Alone' to raise money for the NHS
Fleur's song 'Not Alone' was initially written for an exclusive performance on The One Show, encouraging viewers to stay at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. It became popular online - so mush so that Fleur decided to write an extra verse and chorus so that the song could be released officially, and raise money for the NHS.
Fleur East's Black Lives Matter Rap Roulette
With incredibly powerful lyrics such as: 'People fear for their lives through the shade they were painted / Can you see the picture has been tainted?' Fleur's Rap Roulette has been described as 'brilliant' and 'powerful'.
Reality of Reality TV with Fleur East
Fleur East, who has been on a number of reality TV shows herself, took us behind-the-scenes with her podcast The Reality of Reality TV with Fleur East.
Don't Rock The Boat (2020)
In November 2020 Fleur East took part in TV show Don't Rock The Boat. She was part of the winning red team along with Tom Watson, Jodie Kidd, Craig Charles, Victoria Pendleton CBE and Adam Thomas.
Fleur East releases 'You're Christmas To Me' (2020)
Fleur East released 'You're Christmas To Me' in December 2020. The song came about after a 'spontaneous studio session'.
Fleur East joins Strictly Come Dancing
In August 2022, it was announced that Fleur East would join Strictly Come Dancing. Speaking about the announcement the radio presenter said: "I'm equally nervous and thrilled to be part of this year's Strictly line up. I'm excited to learn new skills and I want to soak up every moment of this magical experience. It's such an honour to be on the show after years of watching it with my Father who loved it so much."
Fleur East stars in musical film Tomorrow Morning (2022)
Fleur East starred in musical film Tomorrow Morning which was released on 6th September at selected cinemas. The film is about one couple seen in two separate timelines, a decade apart.
Fleur performs at Union Chapel in London (2023)
Fleur took to the stage at Union Chapel in London in March 2023, performing some of her biggest hits - and even taking to the floor with her Strictly partner Vito once more! She wrote about the show on Instagram: 'Still buzzing!!! Thank you to everyone who came out to my headline show last Thursday at Union Chapel: it was such a special experience.'
Fleur announced for Strictly: It Takes Two (2023)
In June, Fleur was announced to take over from Rylan Clark on Strictly: It Takes Two. She will co-host the Strictly Come Dancing companion show along with Janette Manrara.
Fleur East lands TV acting role
Fleur East lands the role of Miss Meesha in the BBC Three series Phoenix Rise. Her role will appear on screen in 2024.
Now read:
Everything you need to know about Fleur East 🙌
Fleur East's best songs from 'Sax' to 'Not Alone' 🎶
Mamma Mia! was released 15 YEARS ago this month 😲