A BUDDING Ilkley actress has secured an important role in the musical which tells the life story of the woman who vowed to 'Spend, Spend, Spend!'

Ten-year-old Siobhan Mullins, of Brackenwood Close, fought off competition from a host of other children, to land a role in the musical inspired by the life of Viv Nicholson.

The musical, at the West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds, takes the audience through the life of Viv, who hit the headlines in 1962 by scooping £152,319 on the football pools.

Siobhan stars as the daughter of the 'young Viv' and also forms part of the community chorus.

Proud Mum, Elaine Mullins, said: "I really hope this could be the start of big things for Siobhan. She was really excited when she found out she had got the part."

The confident youngster, a pupil at Sacred Heart School, is no stranger to acting, being a member of the Ilkley Up-Stagers Theatre Group.

Siobhan met Viv when she came backstage to offer her advice and support to the cast.

"Viv was really nice. I was a bit nervous before I went on stage but I was OK,"said Siobhan

The youngster hopes to make a career on the stage, and believes this production will be valuable experience.

Mrs Mullins said: "All the adult members of the cast have been really good to the children. Siobhan just loves it."

"I don't remember a great deal about the story when it first appeared in the news but I do know Viv Nicholson must be a remarkable woman, a real survivor," she said.

"Siobhan loves being centre stage. Who knows, one day they may featuring her acting career on This Is Your Life?" said Mrs Mullins.

l Spend Spend Spend! runs at the West Yorkshire Playhouse until June 27.

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