DIANA Vickers’s debut performance on the West End stage must have been a nerve-racking experience for the Huncoat teenager.

Taking on the lead role in Little Voice at London’s Vaudeville Theatre, the 18-year-old said she was determined to do her best and make her family proud.

And that was something she achieved in spades according to her delighted mum Ann, who said her performance this week was “blooming amazing”.

Diana rocketed to fame in last year’s X-Factor talent show and since then has been working on building her career in the tough world of show business. Winning the role of the shy girl who can impersonate some of the world’s greatest divas has shown that Diana can compete with the best in the musical world.

And she is following in some pretty illustrious shoes, her role having been made famous on film by one of Britain’s most popular actresses, Jane Horrocks, who is herself from Rossendale.

No doubt Diana’s X-Factor supporters will love the new show and she will win new fans thanks to her singing talents.

Her part will also bring her to the attention of musical directors looking to cast up and coming shows, which could lead to even more exciting opportunities.

We wish her well for the rest of the run and the best for her career in the future.