A TEENAGER with Inishowen connections is set for TV and stage stardom.

Gorgeous singer Niamh Perry (17) is from Bangor in county Down.

However, she and her family are familiar faces in Gleneely as they holiday in the small town a few times a year.

Niamh is a contender in the new talent show – I’d Do Anything.

It began two weeks ago on BBC1.

Director of hit West End musicals, British lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, is on the hunt for a stage actress to play the part of Nancy in a revival of Oliver.

Hosted by Cork funnyman Graham Norton, 12 female contestants were selected on the show two weeks ago and will battle for the part over the next 10 weeks.

Contestants faced their first public vote during last Saturday night’s show.

The first contender booted off was quirky Amy.

Niamh’s mum Zaron said her daughter is “working really hard” and was so excited about Saturday’s show.

She said: “We are all hoping she does well. She has a lot of support from home with family and friends.

“We hope that viewers will vote and help keep her in the show.

“The crucial phone-vote results can be seen on Sundays at 6.50pm – and we hope lots of Inish Times readers will call the show and give Niamh their support too.”

A BBC insider said of the talented beauty: “She is showing real promise at these early stages and has a really strong voice.”

The show features one of the most memorable scores in musical theatre including songs like You’ve Got To Pick a Pocket and I’d Do Anything, from which the show takes its title.

The panel that will help viewers choose their right Nancy comprises of Torchwood star John Barrowman, Broadway and West End leading lady Denise Van Outen and actor, comedian, writer and star of musical theatre Barry Humphries who’s well known for his infamous alter ego Dame Edna Everage.

Denise Van Outen described Niamh’s performance on last Saturday’s show as “sublime”.

She said:  “You remind me of a young Bernadette Peters – one of my favourite actors.

“You have such a fantastic voice and are destined to do well in this show.”

Niamh has had to put her A-Level studies of theatre, music and sociology on hold to take part in the show.

The classically voice-trained girl sang solo at a ceremony marking the re-opening of Belfast’s Grand Opera House last year.

Eleven Nancy’s remain.

People of Gleneely are urged to get voting for Niamh on Saturday’s show on BBC 1 at 7.10pm.