Support for Blackpool's singing sensation Jodie Prenger is growing by the second as she prepares herself for Saturday's nail biting Nancy showdown.

The 28-year-old Nancy wannabe will battle it out against rivals Samantha Barks and Jessie Buckley in the final of BBC1's search for a star, I'd Do Anything.

Blackpool entertainers are confident Jodie, of Newton Drive, will land her dream role in Oliver! on the West End.

Entertainer Jack Diamond said: "I think she's absolutely brilliant. She was in a lot of my talent shows in Cleveleys and on North Pier.

She could really hold her own and regularly got standing ovations. I've always had every confidence in her, I'm sure she'll win."

Funnyman Bobby Ball said: "I think it's fantastic. Simon Cowell said Blackpool has no talent but Blackpool has got talent and this lass proves it. I wish her all the best. "

Fellow comic Frank Carson added: "I hope she wins, it'd be lovely to have one of our local girls on the West End stage."

Judges on the televised talent search say they can really envisage the Blackpool girl playing the role of Nancy.

John Barrowman told Jodie: "You represent every woman watching this show. I love you to death, you connected with everyone and told the story – that's Nancy! You ARE a Nancy contender."

And chief judge Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber said she could "absolutely play this role."

Local supporters say they will be picking up the phone to make sure Jodie becomes the next West End leading lady.

Personality

Janice Kershaw, 49, from Bispham, said: "I think she's got a great personality. It comes across that she's all heart.

Her daughter Gemma, 21, said: "She's got a fantastic voice and she looks the part. It'd be great to have a Blackpool girl as a leading lady in the West End."

Josephine Wheatcroft, 62, of Eastside, Marton, said: "I think she's fantastic. I think she'd be a perfect Nancy. She's the right age, she's built for the part and she looks like she's seen a bit of life.

"I'm 90 per cent sure she'll win. I'll be voting."

Beryl Barker, 52, from South Shore, said: "I love the show. I hope she'll win but I'm not sure she will. She looks like a typical Nancy but I think people will choose someone a bit different."

To vote for Jodie tune in to the I'd Do Anything! final on BBC1 on Saturday at 6pm.

Gazette Travel is running trips to see Oliver! at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London, on January 31 and March 28, 2009, with overnight stay. For details, contact Gazette Travel on (01253) 361770