Connie Fisher wins 'Maria' contest

Connie Fisher has won the How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? battle to star in The Sound of Music.

The call centre worker, 23, beat finalists Helena Blackman and Siobhan Dillon on the BBC One show to take the lead role in Andrew Lloyd-Webber's West End reincarnation of the musical.

"Thank you for making my dream come true," Fisher told the 1.5 million viewers who had voted, vowing to make the most of her chance. "Every night will be opening night. I feel on top of the world. I won't let you down, I promise."

The girl, from Wales, has had nine years of classical training and been to drama school, but she has had a string of failed auditions for West End roles.

She has said before it was her dream to play Maria. "Audiences have always commented on my Julie Andrews-like qualities both on and off stage," she commented. "I can't think of a more suitable role. I have always dreamed of playing Maria.

"I know I have the passion, commitment and stamina to perform eight shows a week and have always aspired to play the lead in a West End show."

Fisher will take to the stage at the London Palladium from November 14.