LONGRIDGE actress Joanna Riding has spoken of the "wonderful moment" when she discovered she had won the coveted role of Eliza Doolittle in the West End show "My Fair Lady" -- taking over from troubled Martine McCutcheon next month.

Joanna, whose parents Alan and Glenys live in Alston, near Longridge, is expected to take over the role on December 10, and has been on cloud nine since hearing the news.

"It all happened so quickly I am still taking it in," said Joanna, who ended her role in the popular musical "The Witches of Eastwick" last week.

"I was planning to wind down after 'Witches', take part in a workshop, and audition for something else when Sir Cameron Mackintosh asked for me to audition for Eliza."

She added: "I had two days to forget blasting out songs American-style, as I have done for the past 18 months, and get my Cockney accent going.

"When I heard I'd got the part it was one of those wonderful moments which felt like the culmination of everything I have ever worked for.

"It's a big break for me in a production whose success has already been enormous -- and I'm really looking forward to playing opposite that wonderful actor Jonathan Pryce, as Professor Higgins, plus Denis Waterman as Alf Doolittle and Nicholas Le Provost as Colonel Pickering."

But she spoke favourably of the musical's current star, former Eastenders' actress Martine McCutcheon, who has had problems with a strained voice since opening in the show in March and, to prevent permanent damage, has been ordered by her doctors to rest for several months.

"Martine has been very unlucky where her health is concerned and is devastated that she can't continue in the role.

"But she has had marvellous reviews and was able to continue night after night despite her setbacks."

And Martine has already expressed her support for Joanna's ability to play Eliza, saying: "If she can't churn it out, nobody can."

Now the actress, who won an Olivier award for her role in "Carousel" is looking forward to intensive rehearsals, fittings for wigs and costumes -- and perfecting that Cockney accent.

She added: "I have always wanted to play a role which incorporates so many sides of acting and which is a 'transformation' role. It will certainly be special, and will combine work I have learnt through all my other parts, such as in 'Guys and Dolls', 'Carousel' and 'Witches'."

Joanna's other West End credits include a stint in "Me and My Girl" alongside TV entertainer Brian Conley.

As well as winning the Olivier award for best actress for her role in "carousel", she also received nominations for her performances in "Guys and Dolls" and "Witches of Eastwick".