Bank clerk Santosh Gaddu has become an overnight star - but not in Hollywood or Bollywood.

For Santosh beat off competition from 1,600 colleagues to take the leading role in the Halifax Bank's latest TV advert, which features genuine staff members in commercials.

Santosh ,29, who works at the Prestwich branch of the bank, spent 12 days in India filming the commercial which is made in the style of a Bollywood blockbuster.

Nineteen Halifax hopefuls spent three days undergoing voice training from a former Sprice Girls' coach before doing a final Popstars-style song and dance audition in front of a team of judges including Pop Idol's Neil Fox.

Said Santosh, "I'm an extrovert in the office and like to be the centre of attention - no-one would deny that.

"I thought I would go for this as it would be a bit of a laugh. I never expected to get so far as I was up against people who were in bands or regularly did karaoke."

Santosh had a great time filming in India and, although she's happy at the bank, the privileged lifestyle of a real-life Bollywood star appeals to her.

And she's getting a taste of fame - she has already been recognised in the street in Prestwich. "My workmates are happy for me and my mum and dad are ecstatic. It's nice to be the centre of attention," she added.

Last year Santosh tried out for a previous Halifax ad - the company features genuine staff members in its campaigns and has made a star out of Howard Brown who has now appeared in several.