McManus to sing for Singapore president

Former Pop Idol winner Michelle McManus has been invited to sing for the president of Singapore.

The 27-year-old flew to the Far East on January 4 to tour Beijing, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Dubai in a production of Little Voice.

She was asked to perform in private for President Sellapan Rama Nathan, who is said to love "singing divas".

McManus, who won the second series of the talent contest in 2003, told the Daily Record: "I can't believe it. Apparently he was very excited that there's a Pop Idol winner in the cast, but I would never have guessed I would be singing by presidential appointment.

"I'm so thrilled, but I'm now panicking about what to wear and how to conduct myself."

She will visit the embassy alongside fellow cast members John McCardle, who played Billy Corkhill in Brookside, and History Boys actor James Cartwright.

McManus, who plans to sing a ballad from new album Dancing To A Different Beat, said she is serious about becoming an actress.

She added: "It's quite strange because I am not playing the part of Little Voice so I don't sing. I'm playing her friend Sadie, which is a proper acting part, and I really hope that it all works out."