West End debut for Sound of Music star

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The 23-year-old former call centre worker, from Pembrokeshire in Wales, won her role in BBC talent show How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?

She will not be the only cast member suffering from opening night nerves.

Leading man Alexander Hanson was hired only nine days ago to play Captain Von Trapp.

The original choice for the role, Peak Practice star Simon Shepherd, was replaced after two previews because his performance was "not working".

The Rogers and Hammerstein show at the London Palladium has already taken £10 million in advance ticket sales.

The production has not been without its problems. Lloyd Webber came under fire for using a TV talent contest to find his leading lady.

And actress Emma Williams, who was to play Maria in alternate performances, quit in protest at her role being downgraded.

But the leading lady is confident she can pull it off.

"I've trained for three years in musical theatre - I know I have the passion, commitment and stamina to perform eight shows a week and have always aspired to play the lead in a West End show," she said.

"Audiences have always commented on my Julie Andrews-like qualities both on and off stage, and I can't think of a more suitable role. I have always dreamed of playing Maria."