Steve Greengrass, 41, of Dallington, recently celebrated his engagement to the singer, who is hoping to win the role of Nancy in a West End revival of Oliver!

He said: "I'm obviously biased but right from the beginning of the programme I said to Graham Norton she will be Nancy.

"The public is really behind her. The younger girls have so much less experience for the role. Jodie will give the best value when she sings on the stage. It would be fantastic to see her open up the show in December."

Mr Greengrass said he had seen less and less of his new fiancee in recent weeks as the competition reached its closing stages.

He said: "For the last couple of weeks she has been very busy and has not been given Monday off. She had to learn five songs and three dance routines last week."

Mr Greengrass said it was likely the marriage would be arranged for the summer of 2009 but could be earlier depending on the outcome of the competition.

The winner of the role of Nancy will be given a contract to play the role on the West End from December to May. The results of the competition will be announced after a public vote on Saturday night on BBC1.