Samantha Barks, who came third in the BBC search to find a Nancy for the forthcoming production of Oliver! has landed the role of Sally Bowles in an award-winning production of Cabaret, which will come to the Derngate in November.

Miss Barks, who earned rave reviews from judges including Andrew Lloyd Webber and Denise Van Outen, said she was absolutely thrilled to get the part.

She added: "Cabaret is one of my favourite shows ever and Sally Bowles is such a great part to play. Having met Liza Minnelli during the filming of I'd Do Anything, I'm beside myself with excitement."

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And Siobhan Dillon, who came third in How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? will perform alongside Chesney Hawkes, the star of last year's Balloon Festival, in new Barry Manilow musical Can't Smile Without You.

The reality stars follow in the wake of the smash-hit musical Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, came to Northampton last month.

The show featured not only Tara Bethan, who appeared in I'd Do Anything, as the narrator, but also starred Craig Chalmers and Anthony Hansen, from the BBC One show Any Dream Will Do, who took the parts of Joseph and the Pharaoh.

Can't Smile Without You will be at Derngate from Monday, November 10, to Saturday, November 15.

Cabaret performances will be from Monday, November 24, to Saturday, November 29.

For more information, or tickets, call the box office on Northampton 624811 or visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk