Thousands of pounds worth of bets have been placed on Britain's Got Talent singing sensation Susan Boyle to win the show.

The Scottish spinster is currently the red-hot favourite to walk away with the television programme's £100,000 prize and sing for the Queen at the Royal Variety Performance.

Favourite: Susan Boyle has wowed the nation

Since Ms Boyle's rendition of I Dreamed a Dream from the musical Les Miserables was aired last week, bookmaker William Hill said it had taken more than 3,000 bets on her to win the ITV show.

Several of these were for "a few thousands pounds", with the total amount of money placed on the unemployed church volunteer reaching a five-figure sum.

Ms Boyle, 47, has received international acclaim and recognition since being catapulted into the limelight after appearing on Britain's Got Talent.

Singer Elaine Paige - whose success Ms Boyle said she dreamed of emulating - are among those who have sent her messages of support.

Ms Paige described her a "role model for everyone who has a dream" and suggested that they record a duet.

Actress Demi Moore said she was reduced to tears by the performance after watching with husband Ashton Kutcher and Britain's Got Talent judge Piers Morgan has invited Ms Boyle out for dinner.

In America her story has been featured on US morning shows and news programmes and she was interviewed by satellite from Scotland for the talk show Larry King Live.

Ms Boyle pledged fame would not change her, although she added: "I certainly won't be lonely any more."

Speaking last week, she said: "I just take it all in my stride, I'm enjoying it. I haven't had time to think."

Meanwhile, it emerged Ms Boyle had entered her local talent competition a number of times from 1997, but never won the £5,000 prize.