A FORMER Mercury Talent Contest winner is within touching distance of clinching one of the biggest roles in showbiz.

Connie Fisher from Rosemarket has sung and danced her way into the final ten of the hugely popular BBC1 programme How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?

The show features world famous composer Andrew Lloyd Webber searching for a newcomer to star as Maria Von Trapp in his forthcoming West End production of The Sound of Music.

The role was famously brought to life by Julie Andrews but now Connie, 23, has the chance to make the role her own and become a star in her own right.

Connie and her fellow nine hopefuls will now perform live every Saturday night. The public will then decide, Big Brother style, who to vote out.

Asked why she should become the next Maria, Connie said: "I've trained for three years in musical theatre. 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.

"Audiences have always commented on my Julie Andrew-like qualities both on and off stage, and I really can't think of a more suitable role.

"I have always dreamed of playing Maria, and those dreams are nine people away from becoming a reality."

Connie added: "As an only child, I've always been very independent like Maria and I'm always, always, singing."

Connie won the very first Mercury Talent Contest in 2001.

Contest organiser, Jeff Dunn, said: "Connie has done fantastically well and I hope everyone in Pembrokeshire gets behind her.

"You could always see that she was amazingly professional, obviously very talented and hugely determined."

To reach this stage Connie has been through the initial audition and call-back process and was selected as one of 52 to go to Maria School' and receive exclusive vocal and drama coaching.

After surviving a chop to 20 and performing at Lloyd Webber's country house in Sydmonton, Connie was chosen as one of the final 10.

The winner will receive a six-month standard leading role contract and a step into the big time.

Her good friend Josh Saunders said: "I'm really proud of her getting this far, and just hope she does the best she can and goes all the way!"