There's no place like home...

Yes, back for another series, the BBCs latest hunt for a West End superstar sees 11 hopefuls battling it out to play Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz.

Some people would be ashamed to admit it but as a fan of cheese and all things musical, I take a lot of pleasure from watching such shows and was a regular viewer of the previous searches for a Joseph and a Nancy.

This year’s panel is one of the strongest yet with a trio of professionals who are not afraid to tell it like it is.

I may be in a minority, but I’ve always liked Charlotte Church. I think she’s got an amazing voice, she’s outspoken and I even enjoy her chat show which showed her at her best.

Sheila Hancock is one of this country's most respected actors and directors and really knows what to look for in an honest performance.

EastEnders star John Partridge, who trained as a ballet dancers, has starred in a number of shows including Cats and Starlight Express. Together they are a force to be reckoned with.

One thing I have noticed about this series, and it may have been the same in the past, is how harsh it is.

These girls need tough skins but I suppose it’s no different for anyone entering the showbiz world.

Their first blow comes when the judging panel are asked who they think should go home.

Then, when the results are read and we are left with the two least favourite Dorothys - as if that isn’t bad enough—host Graham Norton then says: “If it were down to the public vote alone BLANK would be gong home.”

The poor outcasts then have to sing against each other in the same song without appearing to drown the other out.

The Lord then makes the final decision about which of the starlets to send home.

Can it get much worse I hear you think? Yes it can!!! The loser then has to take off her sparkly Dorothy shoes on stage in front of everyone before her rival hands them over to the Lord and she is sent packing - shoeless and down cast.

THEN as she fights off the tears, the outward bound Dororthy has to sing Over the Rainbow (high notes and all) while holding back the pain and public humiliation.

The things we will do for world domination. For me on the other hand...there’s no place like home.