I spent nine months filming one of ITV’s biggest shows this year but now I’m back working in a coffee shop
AN aspiring West End star has revealed she's back working in a coffee shop after reaching the final of a huge ITV show.
Esme Bowdler, from Chester, competed for the stage role of Sophie in Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream but ultimately lost out to contestant Stevie Doc. While Tobias Turley won the lead role of Sky.
The setback hasn't diminished her ambition, but the contrast in circumstances isn't lost on her either.
She filmed herself getting ready in the morning before taking an early tube to work and putting on her apron behind the coffee shop counter.
She wrote: "You spent nine months in an ITV series to be the lead on the West End and now you are back making coffee at 6am."
The TikTok video was captioned: "Everything happens for a reason, you just don’t know the reason yet."
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Her followers rallied to buoy her spirits with supportive messages.
One person wrote: "Don’t forget people like Samantha Barks and Lucie Jones also started involved in TV series didn’t win but look what they went on to do! Your time will come."
Esme replied: "Oh yeh absolutely!! What icons!! Can’t wait for what’s next."
Another fan said: "You was so good on mamma Mia I have a dream! U will make it to wherever you want to be it just takes time."
A third wrote: "You'll get there Esme, it'll happen. Each little step leads to an even bigger adventure never give up on the talent you have."
The Mamma Mia series culminated in a live performance from the famous Novello Theatre, London.
Esme performed both Mamma Mia and My Love, My Life during the 75 minute episode.
The big budget series, which pulled in an average audience of 1.5million, featured 14 stage hopefuls and an A list panel consisting of Amber Riley, Alan Carr, Jessie Ware and Samantha Barks.
There was even a cameo from Abba legend Bjorn Ulvaeus ahead of the final.
He said: "I just wanted to say a huge congratulations to each and every one of you on making it to the finals."
The show winners made their debut in the West End at the end of January.
