A TALENTED young singer is hoping her debut appearance in a West End musical later this month will be the start of a glittering career.

Appearing in one of London's most famous theatres, Gemma Sharp-Harker is busy rehearsing songs and dance moves in preparation for the murder-mystery stage show To Die For.

The 22-year-old, who grew up in Brompton, North Yorkshire, hopes hersinging performance at the London Palladium will catch the eye of professionals in the capital's theatre industry.

"I'm hoping this will help my career in music and the theatre to take off, but either way the experience is so good," said Gemma, who now lives in York with her husband, Alex Harker.

"Half of me is petrified about the show, but the other half is very excited. I've dreamed of this since I was young.

"I'm definitely an attention-seeker - so I love all the clapping and cheering that comes with theatre crowds."

Gemma's father, Adrian Sharp, of Hilton Close, Brompton, said he remembered his only daughter wanting to be an actress and singer when she was six. She took part in many plays throughout her schooling in Northallerton and did drama while at university in Leeds.

"She has been determined to make it and it has been hard work. I have my fingers tightly crossed that this is the break she needs," said Mr Sharp.

"She has attended hundreds of auditions and with the rise of reality TV, where everyone and anyone thinks they have what it takes, there has been thousands of people to compete against."

Gemma's husband, family and friends will be travelling to London to watch her perform on Sunday, October 19.

Her father said: "I know I'll be very proud of her when I see her on stage - she has an excellent voice and will go far with it."