THE winners of ITV's Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream were announced on Sunday evening (December 10).

Esme Bowdler from Chester narrowly missed out on securing the role of 'Sophie' in the West End production of the ABBA musical to Stevie Doc from Glasgow, whilst the role of 'Sky' went to Tobias Turley from Somerset, who took the title role ahead of Owen Johnston from Belfast.

During the 75-minute show, broadcast live on from the Novello Theatre in London Sunday, the finalists performed to the song 'Mamma Mia' before Doc sang 'Thank You For The Music' and Bowdler sang 'My Love, My Life'.

Elsewhere Johnston sang 'Our Last Summer' while Turley performed 'I’ve Been Waiting For You', before the show culminated in a group rendition of 'The Winner Takes It All'.

The show, which first hit screens around two months ago, saw 14 aspiring musical theatre performers put through their paces in a stunning Greek island setting by a judging panel featuring Alan Carr, Jessie Ware, Amber Riley and Samantha Barks.

ABBA’s Bjorn Ulvaeus offered the contestants a heartful message and said: "I just wanted to say a huge congratulations to each and every one of you on making it to the finals."

Creator and global producer of the Mamma Mia!, Judy Craymer, said: "It’s a joyous result and I’m delighted to welcome Stevie and Tobias to join the West End cast in this very special year celebrating Mamma Mia!’s 25th anniversary.

"All our contestants are so talented and worked so hard, they went through the most intensive musical theatre boot camp with such energy, flair and commitment.

"They were all such a joy to work with and are all winners in my eyes."

Speaking ahead of the final, Chester finalist Esme said the route to the final had been "quite the journey" with "some really big highs".

She added: "Even if it doesn't go my way, the support that I've had has made it impossible not to believe in myself."

The winners will make their West End debut in seven weeks, on Monday, January 29, 2024.