X FACTOR winner Sam Bailey will star in Fat Friends The Musical when it comes to Leeds and Bradford.

She will play the role of Betty, originated by Alison Steadman in Kay Mellor’s hit TV drama series, when she performs alongside musicals queen Jodie Prenger.

Sam said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have been cast for the new musical of Fat Friends.

“I loved the show when it was on ITV and I feel so honoured to be working with some very talented people.”

Sam shot into the hearts of the nation in 2013 when the former prison officer won ITV’s The X Factor and reached Christmas number one with her first single, Skyscraper.

She went on to receive public acclaim for her role as Mama Morton in the recent UK tour of the musical Chicago.

The Fat Friends drama has been adapted for the stage by its creator Kay Mellor; whose extensive television credits include dramas Band of Gold, The Chase, The Syndicate and In the Club.

She also wrote the stage play A Passionate Woman.

Kay said: “I watched every episode of The X Factor when Sam was in it. To me she was an ordinary woman; a mother and a wife who had the voice of an angel and a wonderfully warm personality.

“It was one of those rare times that I actually picked up the phone and voted. I auditioned Sam for about one minute for Fat Friends the Musical - as soon as she said my words and I looked in her eyes, I knew that she understood the character of Betty.

“She is an instinctive actress that will bring great depth and warmth to the character. I’m delighted to be working with her.”

With original music by Nicholas Lloyd Webber, Fat Friends – The Musical will open at Leeds Grand Theatre from November 7 to December 2, then come to Bradford Alhambra from May 14 to 19 next year.

Visit leedsgrandtheatre.com or call 0844 848 2700 to book tickets for Leeds, or bradford-theatres.co.uk or 01274 432000 for Bradford.