I’d Do Anything star Samantha Barks has managed to land the lead role in the UK tour of Cabaret.

The 17-year-old, who finished in third place on the BBC reality TV show earlier this year, will play cabaret performer Sally Bowles in the popular musical.

Barks will appear alongside dancer and former I’m A Celebrity contestant, Wayne Sleep, who is taking on the role of the Emcee.

Earlier this month we reported that Rachel Tucker, who finished in fourth place had landed the lead role in Ben Elton’s West End show, We Will Rock You.

I’d Do Anything hopeful, Samantha Barks is said to be dating last years Joseph hopeful, Ben Ellis.

The pair met whilst rehearsing for last weeks show, and are said to have hit it off instantly.

A source told The Mirror: “Sam and Ben really hit it off. Everyone could see there was an instant chemistry between them.”

Samantha Barks may have appeared on I’d Do Anything wearing hot pants, or knicker skimming skirts, but Samantha has claimed that she isn’t quite the sex pot that people may think.

In an interview with The Mirror, Samantha revealed: “I don’t think any of the lads’ mags will be after me. For those few minutes on stage, I’m not me. I’d never worn a pair of hotpants before, I don’t own a pair of shorts and I don’t own a skirt but you wear it for the character and it’s different.

“With the hotpants, it was odd because I don’t tend to get my legs out. I didn’t feel self-conscious and it was right for the song because it was a rocky number. It was an attitude outfit. I’m doing these feisty numbers and it’s cool to get on stage in something I would never normally wear. That’s what performance is all about.”

Barks also hit out at people who think she is too young to play the character of Nancy in the West End.

“Nancy was originally written as a 17-year-old so there’s no reason why a 17-year-old shouldn’t play her,” she said. “She’s a woman, she’s self-sufficient and mature. I think I could hack it. I’ve tried to take it all in my stride. And I’m loving every single minute of it.”