Sister Act is coming to a Black Country stage

Alexandra Burke will be stepping into Whoopi Goldberg's shoes to play Deloris Van Cartier, a disco diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder.

Under protective custody, she is hidden in the one place she won’t be found – a convent.

Disguised as a nun and under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own.

Alexandra, who rose to fame after winning The X Factor in 2008, is no stranger to the stage, having dazzled crowds during her theatrical debut in The Bodyguard.

"I'm blessed to have got two iconic roles in my first time doing this kind of thing." she said.

"The Bodyguard was the most vocally demanding show I'll ever do. But Sister Act is demanding in a different way as Deloris is a very energetic character."

The 28-year-old described the show, directed and choreographed by Strictly's Craig Revel Horwood, as an "uplifting, enjoyable comedy", adding: "It's just so much fun to do."

Alexandra, who has duetted and toured with Beyonce, has achieved so much during the last eight years but she holds out hopes of making the transition from the stage to the silver screen one day.

But for now, she is adamant that music comes first and revealed she has been hard at work on her much-awaited third album.

"I've put my heart and soul into the album," she said.

"It's about family, life, love and what I've been through. It's scary but at the same time, to connect with my fans, I need to give them the truth.

"There's no release date yet as I'm still recording it due to being on the road but my plan is to release the album and move forward."

Sister Act runs at Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre from February 27 to March 4, with Joanna Francis taking over Alexandra's role for matinee performances.

Tickets for the show, which features dazzling dance routines and songs inspired by Motown, soul and disco, can be booked by calling the box office on 01902 429212.