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In a tense and nerve-wracking final part of the audition process, Saturday night's Over The Rainbow saw the final 20 potential Dorothys being put through their paces before Andrew Lloyd Webber and the panel – Sheila Hancock, Charlotte Church and John Partridge – who had to decide which contestants would make it into the final 10 and take a step closer to fulfilling their West End dreams.

The final 10 are: Bronte Barbe, Stephanie Davies, Amy Diamond, Jenny Douglas, Sophie Evans, Steph Fearon, Danielle Hope, Dani Rayner, Jessica Robinson and Lauren Samuels.

The girls, performing in groups of four, had to sing one pop song and one song from a West End musical before the panel gave their feedback and made their deliberations.

Andrew Lloyd Webber said it was a "really hard decision" and that even though there were "five girls we all agreed on immediately, we argued quite a lot about the others". He admits it's been "tough" and that "he is really glad the public have got a chance to vote for another one".

First up were Stephanie Davis, Jessica Robinson, Sophie Evans and Camille Mesnard, who performed All That Jazz from the musical Chicago and Never Forget You by the Noisettes.

Speaking after the performance Jessica said she "was fine with the nerves, but as the first group they had to set standard and put all their energy in and gave it my best shot".

Commenting after their performances, Andrew was very pleased and thought that "there were two very good acts, but I don't want to single anyone out. Any of the four would have made it the top 10 in Maria". Sheila agreed and thought "they all did marvellously and very brave to be the first lot up – well done".

Next to perform were Sarah Middleton, Philippa O'Hara, Tasheka Coe and Dani Rayner, who sang Love Story by Taylor Swift and Tell Me It's Not True from the musical Blood Brothers.

After their pop performances, John said to Dani that "even though you are the youngest, you have what it takes – I thought that was a sensational performance".

Charlotte thought "Dani was absolutely fabulous – note perfect. Right on the money" and that Philippa "had something that drew me towards you". After their musical theatre performances Andrew commented that Dani has "got something very special, deliciously home-spun" but "isn't ruling the others out as we're all discovering and learning".

Third to sing for their chance to be Dorothy were Jenny Douglas, Tegan Edwards, Steph Fearon and Emma Warren. They sang pop song Cry Me Out by Pixie Lott and Somebody To Love from the musical We Will Rock You.

Sheila thought that "Steph and Jenny did better at finding the subtlety and irony in the music" and Charlotte said that "they were all superb, some of the best vocals we've had all night".

Next to be put through their paces were Bronte Barbe, Claire Harbourne, Lauren Samuels and Katie Honan who sang the Duffy classic Rain On My Parade and Legally Blonde from the musical Legally Blonde watched by West End leading lady Sheridan Smith.

Speaking to Graham after the performance, potential Dorothy Katie said "it is nerve racking – this is the biggest audition, but we have stuck together as a group". John thought they could "give Girls Aloud a run for their money! You were slick and fantastic". Charlotte agreed and said "it was a complete performance with both dancing and singing" and Andrew added that "he wouldn't be surprised if there wasn't two of you in the top five".

Waiting anxiously backstage for their chance to sing were final group Amy Diamond, Claire Hillier, Danielle Hope and Emilie Fleming. They performed Take A Bow by Rhianna and If They Could See Me Now from the musical Sweet Charity.

Commenting after the performance, John thought that Amy "nailed the choreography and had real razzle dazzle" but Andrew said "Amy did well, but I'm not quite sure she could be a Dorothy and I wasn't sure about this group" and Sheila said that she "thought Emilie, in her opinion, is the only one who could play Dorothy".

At the end of the show, the "wild card" element was announced, giving viewers the chance to vote for their 11th Dorothy who will join the final 10 and compete for the coveted role of Dorothy. The winner of the wild card will be announced during the first live show on 3 April.

Notes to Editors

The Over The Rainbow results show will transmit on Sundays following the live show on Saturday nights. The first Sunday show will go out on 4 April at 6.20pm. It will be recorded after the live show on Saturday nights.

As well as the search for Dorothy, Andrew will also be on the hunt for a Toto for a one-off gala performance. Working alongside Andrew will be Jodie Prenger, the winner of I'd Do Anything and Nancy in the West End production of Oliver. Joining Jodie are two dog experts: animal trainer to the stars Gerry Cott and animal behaviour expert Sarah Fisher. Our Totos are in excellent hands!

Viewers will not be able to vote for Toto. Andrew Lloyd Webber will work with the panel of experts – including Jodie Prenger – who will together decide on the winning Toto, based on the dogs' performances throughout the series. The winning dog will be announced in the final show.

Audition details to follow and T&Cs can be found at bbc.co.uk/dorothy.

CS