Andrew Lloyd Webber (or Baron Lloyd-Webber of Sydmonton in the County of Hampshire as he's sometimes known) is facing having his credibilty in ruins if the public choose the wrong person in 'How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?' (surely the least catchy titled TV programme ever?)

In an interview with The Sun, Lloyd Webber said "I’m very nervous about the public voting. It broke my heart when Meliz went. I am putting a huge amount of faith in the public. My reputation is on the line and if the wrong Maria was picked . . . it wouldn’t be great."

So, one of the richest men in Britain could face 'ruin' if the public let him down. He may have made a pretty penny from the 5million viewers who tuned in last week, but Lloyd Webber is still not convinced.

He's admitted that the whole thing could prove disastrous if the winner can’t cope with the gruelling reality of performing six nights a week. He said "The public have a huge responsibility towards the girl. If the wrong one were picked and she wasn’t up to the job, she would never work in the profession again. It would ruin her career."

"It wouldn’t be fair on her or me, so it’s a risk and it could do an enormous amount of harm. There’s really no room for error." he continued before adding "We’ve got to find someone who can really do this. It’s not a popularity contest and the audience seem to realise that, judging the girls on the strength of their performances, for which I’m very grateful."

Rumours abound that the staunch Tory supporter and collector of Victorian art has lined up a professional to play Maria because he is not convinced his winner will be good enough.[Mof Gimmers]