Zoe Ball set to host new ITV talent contest Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream

ABBA fan Zoe Ball is to host ITV’s new theatre talent contest Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream.

The BBC Radio 2 breakfast show host, 52, is in advanced talks with producers Fremantle.

The contest, set to air later this year, will see hopefuls compete to star in the West End production based on the Abba-themed movie.

They will be mentored by industry stars and judged by a panel of famous faces, led by comedian Alan Carr.

A source said: “Producers believe Zoe is the ideal star to launch this exciting new series.

“She’s an Abba expert. And the band like her so the union works really well. Zoe’s excited.”

Set to air later this year, Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream will see hopefuls compete to land the lead roles of Sophie and Sky in a new West End production of the musical, based on the Abba-themed movie.

The process will end with a grand finale, broadcast from a theatre in London, where two winners will be picked.

It’s a similar format to the BBC1 shows I’d Do Anything, Any Dream Will Do and How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?, which all saw wannabes compete for places in big stage musical productions.