BEEB & TECHNICOLOR MEANCOATS

0 Comments | Sunday Mirror, Jul 22, 2007 | by GRANT HODGSON

BBC bosses made finalists from Joseph: Any Dream Will Do fork out pounds 50 each to keep their Technicolor Dreamcoats.

The 12 wannabe Josephs - including winner Lee Mead and Scots contestants Keith Jack and Craig Chalmers - were also forced to sign contracts promising they would not sell them on to make a profit.

An insider from the hit show said: "These guys had spent 10 weeks battling it out for the role of Joseph. They'd put blood, sweat and tears into it. Everyone felt the BBC should have given the coats to the lads." Finalist Ben Ellis, of Scarborough, North Yorkshire, said: "I suppose it was a bit tight."

A BBC spokesman said: "Each of the Josephs was given the opportunity to hold on to their coat in return for a minimal fee."

Lee made his West End debut as Joseph this week but the performance was marred after the rotating stage developed a fault 30 minutes into the show.

grant.hodgson@mgn.co.uk