Oliver! (film) in the United States, and Oliver Reed, who played Bill Sikes, had just begun to make a name for himself. Producer John Woolf suggested Oliver Reed for the role to the director Reed, without knowing that the two were in fact related. Ron Moody, who was also well known in Britain but not the US, recreated his London stage performance, after Peter Sellers, Dick Van Dyke and Peter O'Toole reportedly turned down the role. Elizabeth Taylor turned down the role of Nancy as well. Julie Andrews was also considered. Director Reed also had Shirley Bassey in mind, but his choice
James Sykes (cricketer) James Sykes (cricketer) James Stuart Sykes (born 26 April 1992) is an English cricketer. Sykes is a left-handed batsman who bowls slow left-arm orthodox and who most recently played county cricket for Leicestershire. He was born at Huntingdon, Huntingdonshire, and was educated at St Ivo School. Sykes made his senior debut in county cricket for Cambridgeshire in the 2010 MCCA Knockout Trophy against Lincolnshire. Having played for the Leicestershire Second XI with some success, Sykes made his first team debut for Leicestershire in a List A match against the touring Australians at Grace Road in 2012. Leicestershire won the toss