Doctor Who returned to screens last week as The Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) returned with a new addition to the TARDIS, Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu). However, Belinda isn’t the only addition to the cast as Bronté Barbé joins as Lizzie. However, fans may have seen her before…
The show isn’t Bronté’s first appearance on BBC, as she appeared on talent show Over The Rainbow. The show, which aired in 2010, showcased the search for a undiscovered musical theatre performer to play the role of Dorothy in Andrew Lloyd Webber‘s 2011 stage production of the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz.
The series was hosted by Graham Norton and followed the format of former shows including Any Dream Will Do and I’d Do Anything.
Bronte was 18 at the time of her appearance on the show, and was described as “a small-town girl determined to make her own way in life.” Bronte lasted until show four where she performed KT Tunstall’s Suddenly I See. Despite getting good comments from the judges, she received the least amount of votes alongside Lauren.
However, it was Lauren who was saved and Bronte said her goodbyes. 18-year-old Danielle Hope went on to win the show and was chosen to play Dorothy. She made her West End debut in the show which began performances at the London Palladium in February 2011.
As well as that, she also released a cover version of Over the Rainbow as a charity single with proceeds going to BBC Performing Arts Fund and Prostate UK. Runner-ups Lauren Samuels and Sophie Evan also recording their own versions of the hit song.
Two weeks ago, Bronte shared the exciting news that she’d be joining Doctor Who on her Instagram. Along with a picture of herself smiling with a magazine article to hand, the star penned: “HELLO I’m in the next season of DR WHO. Chuffed!”
The star was flooded with comments, as one wrote: “Yassss; Doctor who needs more northern spirt,” as show creator Russell T Davies penned: “What an episode!!!” In response, Bronte replied: “Thrilled to be a part of it. Not long now!”
Bronté has since starred in many stage shows including Princess Fiona in Shrek: The Musical, Carole King in Beautiful and Nadine in The Wild Party.
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