The yellow brick road has so far been sprinkled with stardust for Macclesfield’s Bronte Barbe.
The 18-year-old Tytherington talent has danced and sung her way through to the final ten on BBC1 show ‘Over the Rainbow’.
The show pits various wannabees against each other in a bid to star as Dorothy in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s stage production of The Wizard of Oz and has proved an instant hit.
And after navigating her way through two rounds, Bronte’s performance on Sunday (March 28) convinced judges that she could have what it takes to go all the way.
Fallibroome High pupil Bronte said: "Everyone’s really good, the standard is really high. There’s no comparison between us basically."
When the judges told Bronte she had got through to the studio round, the nation saw her scream, before adding: "I’m really excited, I just want to go and tell my mum!"
And proud mum Carol, a self employed designer dress-maker, wants nothing more than to see her daughter win the hearts of the nation and is certain she has enough talent to step into Dorothy's famous ruby red slippers.
She said: "She’s having a fantastic time. She loves every aspect of the show and gets on with all the girls.
"I think she’ll be in showbiz for a long time to come. We’re just so proud that she’s getting to live the dream."
Mark Payne, head of Performing Arts at Fallibroome High, has seen her skills first hand after coaching her in school productions Oliver and Joseph.
He said: "She can sing, dance and act and has always had a special voice. She’s very bubbly, modest, humble, fun and quirky and really supportive of others – she recently helped run a dance show in which she chareographed the kids. She stands a really great chance of winning as she comes across on the show as a natural performer. I can genuinely say that she deserves it. If this didn’t come along something else would have eventually."
The young singer and actress devotes her spare time to the Art House Theatre and Dance School where she teaches budding youngsters drama and dance.
The Theatre is attended by Bronte's younger sister Molly, 14, who is sure to learn from her big sister that hard work and commitment really do pay off.
