Summer makes Sound of Music debut

Hollyoaks star Summer Strallen has made her much-anticipated West End debut as Maria in the Sound of Music.

Fans of the Chester soap were able to watch Summer's character as she followed her dream to star on the big stage by hunting down Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber.

But in an art imitates life twist, the real Summer won the stage role months before being planted in the popular series.

And it meant the actress was sworn to secrecy for several difficult months.

She said: "It was terrible having to keep the secret because I knew last July and some of the guys who came tonight didn't know until the episode was aired."

The 23-year-old is already used to treading the boards as she has appeared in West End hits Cats and Guys and Dolls.

The star also had her famous aunt Bonnie Langford on hand to give her some first night tips.

Speaking after seeing her niece play Maria for the first time, Langford said: "I just told her to own it and she did."

Sir Lloyd Webber has used other TV shows in the past to fill his lead roles, including How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? and Any Dream Will Do.

And he's hoping his most recent venture will entice even younger fans to the theatre.

He said: "It's part of a whole thing that I try and do. I try and bring theatre to new people."

© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.