SHE was the little girl who captured the hearts of millions of TV viewers.

Ten-year-old Hollie Steel from Huncoat made the final of Britain’s Got Talent finishing sixth behind winner Susan Boyle in 2009. But she will be best remembered for her semi-final appearance when she forgot the words to the song Edelweiss and burst into tears before running off stage to be comforted by her mum Nina.

Fast forward 10 years and tonight Hollie will be making her professional stage debut, playing the lead role in a new family show which has its world premiere in Manchester, The Extraordinary Tale of Holly Christmas

“Yes, Hollie is going to be Holly,” she laughed. “When I graduated this summer – she studied musical theatre at the Urdang Academy in London - I was thinking ‘right I’ve left college and I’m now an adult performer’. But now I’m going to be a child. I’m 19 playing a nine-year-old.”

The show has been commissioned by the Lowry, Salford Quays and is aimed at a family audience.

It’s the tale of a young girl who dreams of the perfect Christmas and with the help of a magic book and two elves she discovers the true meaning of Christmas.

“It’s such a fun show to be part of,” said Hollie. “When we ran through the script for the first time I was laughing all the way through. It’s not a pantomime, it’s got lots of magic in there, it’s very colourful and has great characters.

“To be part of a brand new production is very special, particularly as it’s my first professional role.”

The fact that the show is at the Lowry has a special significance for Hollie.

“The first audition I did for Britain’s Got Talent was at the Lowry and now I’m back there again.

“I love the fact that it’s so close to home. I’ll be able to stay with my family over Christmas which is brilliant.”

Although her character is just nine, Hollie admits she has a lot in common with her.

“Oh, I’m very much like Holly Christmas in that I’m very loud and proud and I love Christmas.,” she said. “Perhaps all Hollies are the same.

“But I just love Christmas, Where I live in London I had three Christmas trees up in November. Mt friends think I’m crazy. So to be in a Christmas show at Christmas is perfect for me. And all my family will be coming to watch.”

Hollie said that she has no regrets about appearing on Britain’s Got Talent. At the time there was criticism that she was too young to be faced with the pressure of the show.

“I really remember it from what I’ve seen on TV since,” she said. “I don’t really remember too much – but I think that’s the same with most memories from 10 years ago.

“I certainly have no regrets about it. I loved going on the programme and it brought me so many opportunities. It was a great experience for me.”

Hollie hopes that playing Holly Christmas will be the first of many stage roles.

“Musical theatre is really what I want to do,” she said. “I have a few things in the pipeline for next year but I’m not sure I can announce it just yet but I’m very excited about it. It’s going to be a very good year.”

The Extraordinary Tale of Holly Christmas, the Lowry, Salford Quays, tonight until Christmas Eve and Wednesday, December 27 to New Year’s Eve. Details from 0843 208 6005 or www.thelowry.com