AN actress is “absolutely ecstatic” to have landed a lead role in the new West End musical Viva Forever!, which features the music of the Spice Girls.

Lucy Phelps, aged 25, a self-confessed “massive” fan of the group, will play Diamond, one of the main character Viva’s best friends.

Written by comedienne Jennifer Saunders, Viva Forever!

is a romantic comedy which tells the story of Viva and her three best friends, Luce, Diamond and Holly, who audition for a TV talent show.

The characters see their lives and beliefs turned upside-down by the relentless process of the talent show during which Viva is forced to leave her friends behind and face the reality of fame.

Speaking after the full cast was announced on Friday, Lucy, from Callow End, paid tribute to her Malvern dance teacher Cecilia Hall and her drama teacher of 10 years, Judith Wright, who instilled in her a love of drama and acting.

“I cherish all these people.”

She added: “I’m absolutely ecstatic. I’m really honoured to be part of this.

“The songs are really in your face, they’re really about confidence and being true to yourself.

“They embrace all aspects of being who you are and that’s what’s so exciting about their songs and the fact that they’ve been put in something like this.

“It’s a fantastic story that’s been created.

“It’s really a satirical swipe at talent shows and celeb culture.

“There’s a heartwarming story in the centre of it. I hope people will be touched by it, we were all moved by it.”

She added that she would be enjoying a relaxing weekend before rehearsals started on Monday.

Lucy has seen her career go from strength to strength since graduating from a two year LAMDA postgraduate course last year.

Preview performances of Viva Forever! will take place on Tuesday, November 27 with the official opening on Tuesday, December 11, at the Piccadilly Theatre.