Fans of the BBC's search for a new West End star may have long suspected it, but the Blackpool songbird really does pack a punch – and not just a vocal one.

Professional boxer Inny Walibhai says he was so impressed with Jodie's fighting spirit he would put his money on her to win I'd Do Anything.
Inny helped the Newton Drive singer slim down to win the title of Britain's Biggest Loser two years ago.

Backing

And he is backing her to go all the way and bag the role of Nancy in a new production of the stage classic Oliver!

He said: "Jodie's phenomenal. Whatever I asked her to do she gave it 110 per cent and she is like that about everything in life.

"She was a personal trainer's dream to train. I've seen her take on moves that boxers would struggle with.

"And Jodie is such fun. She is one of the best people I have ever met.

"Whatever they give her to do on the show she will give it her all."

Inny, a personal trainer at Fitness First, Preston, got together with Jodie's fans from Blackpool and Preston to stage a "Nancy Knockout" training session to support the Fylde songstress.

Jodie, 28, will tomorrow night compete as one of the final six girls in Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber's hunt for a new West End leading lady.

The fight to stay in the contest goes into another round as Jodie and her rivals will perform new songs in a bid to win the votes of the nation.

And Inny and his family will be voting for Jodie.

"She's always a winner in my book," he said.

Meanwhile, Blackpool Mayor, Coun Robert Wynne, has put out a rallying call to Blackpool residents to back Jodie – in front of the BBC cameras – on the Promenade.

He said: "Jodie represents the fun side of Blackpool.
"Always smiling, with a big voice, she's what Blackpool is all about."

I'd Do anything! is on BBC1 on Saturday at 7.30pm, with the results show on Sunday, 7.35pm.