REBECCA Dent is enjoying her whirlwind stage success. The 23-year-old shot to fame after winning the hit Channel 4 series, Musicality. And after starring as Roxie Hart in Chicago in the West End, she is now embarking on a national tour with Saturday Night

REBECCA Dent is enjoying her whirlwind stage success. The 23-year-old shot to fame after winning the hit Channel 4 series, Musicality. And after starring as Roxie Hart in Chicago in the West End, she is now embarking on a national tour with Saturday Night Fever - stopping at Cambridge on the way. "I am absolutely loving touring, it's hard work but good fun. "Everybody is like a big family and gees you on, so it really is great." Rebecca started her showbiz life after studying for a degree in performing arts at Salford University. She said: "I didn't even study performing arts because I wanted to necessarily do it as a job - I just really wanted to do a degree and enjoyed performing. "When I heard about Musicality, it wasn't even me who wanted to go along, but my boyfriend at the time persuaded me to enter. "I got an audition but didn't take it very seriously until I was told I had got through. Then, suddenly, it became very serious. "I really didn't expect to even get a second audition as my first one was truly hideous. "I felt the fact that I could dance was my saving grace, as some people had amazing voices, but two left feet." Musicality, which was broadcast in 2003, gave a panel of top theatre professionals the task of spotting potential among a cast of thousands. This was then whittled down to 10, who were whipped into shape to be catapulted into the theatrical limelight for one night only. After beating competition from more than 2,000 hopefuls, Rebecca, along with five other contestants, starred in Chicago. "The whole thing was quite hilarious, as we had to do photo-shoots, and then seeing yourself in a magazine was madness. "I never wanted to be famous or a celebrity, but it was a little taste of that kind of life. " But playing the part of Roxie Hart was a dream come true for Rebecca. "It was out of this world. At the time, if I thought about what I was actually doing, I wouldn't have been able to. "Roxie is a part that you get once in a lifetime, and it's a part I felt I really connected with. "I had a real love for Roxie." And her success in Chicago has led to Rebecca winning the role of Annette in Saturday Night Fever. She said: "I love the choreography, which is fantastic, the costumes, the songs - everything. "It's one of those special shows that can get everybody interested in theatre, and when the audience start singing and dancing along, it's brilliant." - Saturday Night Fever is at the Cambridge Corn Exchange from Monday April 17-Saturday April 22. For more information or to book tickets, call the Box Office on 01223 357851 or visit the website at www.cornex.co.uk