DIANA Vickers will lead an all-star cast in her debut West End performance of Little Voice.

The 18-year-old former Westholme student will be joined by Lesley Sharp, who is known for her parts in Cranford, Clocking Off and Playing the Field, and Hustle and Dr Who star Marc Warren, who take on the two other lead roles.

The X Factor semi-finalist said she was nervous but delighted about her role.

Nica Burns, who is producing the show at the Vaudeville Theatre in London, said: “With this wonderful play, you have to find your Little Voice first.

“To find someone of the right age – just 18 – who is as special as Diana Vickers is a gift. Having found our perfect Little Voice, I was delighted that the outstanding actress Lesley Sharp agreed to play her mother Mari and the charismatic actor Marc Warren, Ray Say.

“When Marc and Lesley first walked on stage together, the chemistry between them was instant. This is a terrific play and a great night out.”

The Rise and Fall of Little Voice premiered in 1992 at the Royal National Theatre and was made famous by Rossendale actress Jane Horrocks in the 1998 film version.

It tells the tale of painfully shy, diminutive Little Voice who lives alone in the north of England with her mother, Mari who has a talent for impersonating some of the greatest divas, including Judy Garland, Edith Piaf and Dame Shirley Bassey.

Diana, 18, of Huncoat, said: “I’m really excited. The hardcore rehersals start in September and I’m looking forward to it.

“The actors I’m working with - Lesley and Marc - are amazing, such credible actors.

“I was nervous about the whole thing, but I was with them the other week and they were lovely.

“I had to audition like everyone else, I didn’t want to think I could just walk into something because I’d been on a talent show.

“I will get a rush of adrenaline when I’m on the stage and then I’ll lose myself in it.”

She added: “It’s been a whirlwind, since the X Factor. The best year of my life.

“It can get a bit too much though. You come out of the front door and then bam, there’s all these papparazzi, and your love life is all over the papers, but I think it’s well worth it.”

Diana is taking a short break from recording her debut album to take the role of Little Voice, which starts its limited run on Thursday, October 8.

She recently signed a record deal to RCA records and her debut album, which she has co-wirtten, is due for release early next year.