A FORMER St Helens schoolgirl is aiming to dazzle TV audiences and land top billing in a Wizard of Oz inspired West End musical by Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber.

Bubbly 17-year-old Stephanie Davis, who attended De La Salle School, in Eccleston, is among ten hopefuls competing in the BBC’s Over the Rainbow to the land the role of Dorothy.

The pretty teenager, who won the Voice of St Helens talent contest back in 2004, opened the show watched by seven million viewers on Saturday night.

Her rendition of ‘What would my mama do?’ by Pixie Lott earned positive feedback from the panellists, including double platinum singer, Charlotte Church.

Stephanie, from Whiston, subsequently sailed through the first public vote and into the next round.

Some bookmakers have her second favourite to land the prized role, priced 4-1.

Speaking after her performance, Steph told host Graham Norton: “I was feeling a bit of pressure as the first one out, but when I heard my name get called I couldn’t wait, then the adrenaline started - and singing with the live band was amazing.”

Afterwards, Charlotte told her: “You are so self-confident and you have every right to be because that was unbelievable – an absolutely brilliant performance.”

Panellist John Partridge, the West End star and Eastenders actor, added: “Miss Mama Do! You are bright as a button.

“You come out here punchy, with bags of personality and you are a born entertainer. I loved it!”

Stephanie was among thousands of girls who auditioned for the chance to perform live on the BBC, in Lloyd-Webber’s latest talent search. Only 11 made it to the live show on Saturday.

Speaking to the Star, her proud mother Pauline described how her daughter has been a budding stage star since she was a toddler.

Stephanie has enjoyed several lead roles, including performing as Annie, aged 10, as Gretel in The Sound of Music, aged eight, and as Little Nell in Her Benny - all at the Liverpool Empire Theatre.

Pauline, who is making journey to the Wembley studios every weekend for the live show with her husband and two boys Keelan (11) and Jordan (10), said. “It was electric at the show on Saturday.

“I felt really proud of her, but she is so petite - I just wanted to pick her up and take her home.

“I was in a bit of a dream when she got through. I saw my husband cheering and it took me a couple of minutes to register because they did it so quickly!”

“Stephanie never realises how good she is and always doubts herself. She is one of the nicest people you could ever meet. She is just a lovely, caring girl.

“She’s always singing and if she’s not singing she’s talking. The house is very quiet without her.”

Stephanie is a student at Liverpool Theatre School, where she was awarded a scholarship to study a National Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre.

Currently, she is based in a top-secret location at a house near Wembley’s Fountain Studios with her fellow contestants.

Stephanie will be in action again on Saturday night…and she needs Star readers votes!