West End star Connie Fisher has spoken about her heartache after splitting from her 'soul mate'.

She said winning the coveted lead role in Andrew Lloyd Webber's stage production of The Sound Of Music brought about the end of her five-year relationship with former soldier Neal Williams.

Fisher, a former telesales worker, beat nine other hopefuls for the part of the Von Trapp family nanny Maria on the BBC reality TV show How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria, in September 2006.

'Soul mates': Connie Fisher and ex-lover Neal Williams

It changed her life completely by turning her into a household name overnight, but the sudden rise to fame put pressure on the couple.

She said: 'A process like that was difficult for a relationship to survive.

'Our worlds were like ships in the night. Going on the show put pressure on the relationship.'

Eight weeks ago, as Fisher, 25, was starting rehearsals for her new musical They're Playing Our Song, in which she is currently starring with comedian Alistair McGowan, Williams walked out.

Instant fame: Connie, pictured with Andrew Lloyd Webber, won the part of  Maria in the stage production of The Sound Of Music in 2006

Fisher said that he didn't leave her for another woman and denies she cheated on Williams with Leigh Davies, a sound man on The Sound of Music.

'Neal and I had a great five years and I don't regret a single day,' she told the Sunday Mirror.

'It's good to be single for a while and take stock. But we could always get back together... I just need time to forgive all men.

'I was with him for five years and we have a really good friendship. I'm proud we can always be friends.

'I think we're soulmates really. If I'm not married by 40 maybe I'll marry him.'