Your ultimate guide to MAMMA MIA! I Have a Dream

After first announcing the show back in December 2022, ITV/STV bosses went on to release even more exciting details about brand new entertainment show, MAMMA MIA! I Have a Dream, including the all-important start date and cast.

After seven weeks, the live final took place on Sunday 10th December, so here's everything you need to know, from how to catch up, to who won the show, to that all-important question... Will the show be returning?

What is MAMMA MIA! I Have a Dream?

The new eight-part series, which aired on ITV and STV, was searching to find two musical theatre stars to play the now iconic roles of Sophie and Sky from the hit movies, for the London production of MAMMA MIA!

Produced by Thames, a Fremantle label, and Littlestar, the competition ended with a live final broadcast from a theatre in London's West End.

Katie Rawcliffe, Head of Entertainment Commissioning at ITV said ahead of the show: "We are delighted to be teaming up with MAMMA MIA! for this exciting TV event to search for the theatre stars of the future. To have Zoe Ball at the helm expertly guiding our young stars, as well as our expert panel of judges it's going to be an exciting sequel to an already successful global franchise."

The first teaser trailer was released in September, with a voice-over saying: "All contestants please make your way to the departure gates. Final call for Sky and Sophie."

When was the final?

The final took place live on Sunday 10th December 2023 at the Novello Theatre in London.

Who was in the final?

Esme and Stevie battled it out in the final for the role of Sophie, whilst Owen and Tobias were hoping to land the role of Sky.

Who won the show?

Stevie won the role of Sophie, with Tobias winning the role of Sky.

Who are the contestants?

The search for the next Sophie and Sky began with seven boys and seven girls. Check out all of the contestants below, and how to find them on Instagram!

When did MAMMA MIA! I Have a Dream start?

The series kicked off at 6pm on Sunday 22nd October 2023, with weekly episodes.

Check out the trailer below:

Who was eliminated and when?

Week One: No elimination

Week Two: Maddy

Week Three: Darcy

Week Four: Maisie and Callum

Week Five: Leah and Zackhiel

Week Six: Desmonda and Marcellus

Week Seven: Stephanie and Craig

What was the prize for MAMMA MIA! I Have a Dream?

The show aimed to find two winners to play the lead roles of Sophie and Sky (played by Amanda Seyfried and Dominic Cooper in the movies) in MAMMA MIA!.

Stevie and Tobias will star in the musical at the Novello Theatre as it celebrates its 25th year. This will be a unique opportunity for them, as they'll be starring in one of the world's most successful, smash-hit musicals just as it turns 25 on 6th April 2024.

What channel was MAMMA MIA! I Have a Dream on?

The entertainment show aired on ITV1 and ITVX, with viewers in Scotland able to watch the show on STV1 and STV Player.

Fans can catch up the series now.

Will the show be returning for another season?

Sadly, season one of MAMMA MIA! I Have a Dream was the first and last of its kind, as the series has now been cancelled. Confirming the news in April 2024, an ITV spokesperson said the show was always intended to be a "one off", and that with the winners now performing the musical on the West End, a second season won't be happening.

That's not to say, however, that a talent show of a similar format, for a different musical, is off the cards though!

Who hosted MAMMA MIA! I Have a Dream?

Zoe Ball hosted the show.

She said ahead of the series: "Our contestants are going to go through quite the journey, believe me, but like the show and like the movie, there is going to be song, there is going to be dance and there’s going to be fun in the sun. And we cannot wait for you to come on that journey with us.”

Who were the judges on MAMMA MIA! I Have a Dream?

Comedian and TV personality Alan Carr, singer-songwriter Jessie Ware, Olivier Award Winner Amber Riley, and star of West End show Frozen, Samantha Barks, joined the show as judges and mentors.

Each brought their own unique blend of expertise from comedic interpretation to providing an invaluable insight into the skills required to perform to a West End theatre audience.

Alan Carr said: “Getting to judge on one of my favourite musicals in one of my favourite locations ever is literally my dream job. A whole lot of feta and a whole lot of ABBA - perfection!”

Jessie Ware added: “I am absolutely thrilled to be a judge. I love Greece, if you know me you know how much I love Greece. I got married there, I sung a Mamma Mia invite to everybody when they came. So, for me, to be spending the summer in Greece, finding the new breakout stars, and hopefully helping shed some light on the industry and help them find their way, I just can’t wait. It’s going to be a summer to remember.”

Samantha Barks, who was also a runner up in TV series I’d Do Anything, added: “For sure they are going to go on a really hard journey, it’s going to be so much fun, but it’s going to be like the movie! We’re going to be in Greece, the sun will be shining, and I cannot wait for you guys to watch it. I just feel so honoured to get to be on the judging panel because I know what they’re going through, I’ve been there before and I can’t wait to guide them, challenge them, and be there for them.”

Glee actress Amber Riley commented: “I’m really excited to be a part of such an incredible project. Musical theatre has played such an integral role in my growth as a performer. I am all too happy to share what I’ve learned and to cheer on the world’s next biggest stars! MAMMA MIA, here we go!”

What show is Desmonda in?

Despite not winning MAMMA MIA! I Have a Dream, contestant Desmonda Cathabel has landed a role as Princess Jasmine in the first ever UK and Ireland tour of Disney's Broadway and West End musical, Aladdin.

Now read:

Cher teases the potential of Mamma Mia 3

Pierce Brosnan shares his thoughts on a potential Mamma Mia! 3 film

Are you a Mamma Mia! superfan? 'Take A Chance' with our fun quiz

How to listen to Greatest Hits Radio:

You can listen on DAB digital radio, online at www.greatesthitsradio.co.uk, or via the Greatest Hits Radio app. You can also listen on your smart speaker by saying 'Play Greatest Hits Radio' on Alexa, or 'Play Greatest Hits Radio on tune-in' on Google Home.

• mamma mia