A reality TV runner-up earned a standing ovation when she made her West End debut as Sandy in Grease last night.

Star performance: Lauren Samuels after last night’s debut

Lauren Samuels, 22, made the final of this year's BBC talent show Over The Rainbow — Andrew Lloyd Webber's search for a Dorothy for his production of The Wizard Of Oz. She then landed the co-starring role at the Piccadilly Theatre.

She said: “I was so disappointed not to win Over The Rainbow, but so happy to land this role — especially to tread the boards before any of the other Dorothys.

“I'm really pleased about how it went. I've never been so nervous in my life, but the crowd were amazing and a lot of people were standing up and cheering at the end.”

Her mother Sue Marshall, who was in the audience, said: “She was over the moon to win the role after not quite getting there on Over The Rainbow.

“I was really nervous before she began, but once she started she was completely in control and I just settled in and enjoyed the show along with the audience.

“When she sang Hopelessly Devoted To You her voice was amazing. The notes she hit were really special.”