DARLINGTON pop princess Zoe Birkett is hoping for a big hit next week when she releases her debut single.

The 17-year-old releases Treat Me Like A Lady on Monday - a year after coming fourth on hit ITV show Pop Idol.

For the past two weeks, the teenager has been promoting the record on TV shows and travelling to radio stations around the country.

She told The Advertiser: "I've been really enjoying myself, just doing what I've always wanted to do. It's everything I thought it would be and more.

"I love the single. It's really upbeat and very dancey and it makes me really happy. I hope it makes the fans happy too."

Zoe was home for Christmas but now has a flat in London as a base from which to further her pop career. Her debut album will be released later this year.