LOCAL singing sensation Samantha Barks has been cast in the film version of Les Miserables.
The singer, who is originally from Laxey, will play Eponine in the film alongside Hollywood stars Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway.
Producer Cameron Mackintosh surprised the singer with the news last night (Tuesday) by making an appearance during the curtain call of Oliver!
As Samantha, who is playing Nancy in the UK tour, took her final bow at the Palace Theatre in Manchester Mr Mackintosh announced that director Tom Hooper had cast her for the role.
Taking to the social networking site Twitter soon after the announcement Samantha tweeted: "Most incredible moment of my life!!!!"
This morning (Wednesday) she tweeted: "Up bright and early for an interview on BBC breakfast. I have to say trying to sleep last night, I felt like a child on Christmas Eve!!!"
Samantha made her West End debut playing the part of Eponine in Les Miserables in 2010 after coming third in Andrew Lloyd Webber's television show I'd Do Anything on BBC One.
She was also chosen, by Cameron Mackintosh, to play Eponine in the 25th anniversary concert of Les Miserables at the O2 arena in 2010.
Shooting for Les Miserables is scheduled to begin in March and the film has an official release date of December 7.
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