Despite having now proclaimed herself being a singer, actress Minnie Driver does not sing a single note for herself in The Phantom of the Opera until the end credits.

When Minnie, who plays Latin singer Carlotta in the film adaptation of the musical, opens her mouth to sing it is in fact the voice of singing teacher Margaret Preece that spews forth. Preece is well-qualified, having played the part in stint lasting over four years in the West End.

The revelation has come to light after Preece announced the fact when she was not invited to the film's UK premiere on Monday.

Femalefirst report her as saying: "I wasn't invited. I was really disappointed. I would have loved to walk down the red carpet.

Minnie is launching a solo career as a folk singer but she is not an opera singer and doesn't pretend to be."

A representative of the film defended the decision to have Minnie mime: "Because Minnie's character is a real diva we needed an opera singer to sing those parts. Minnie is a talented singer but the part called for an operatic voice."