The Daily Record has revealed that Pop idol winner Michelle McManus is devastated at losing out on a top role in a West End Musical to X Factor runner up Brenda Edwards.

A source said: “Michelle had pinned all her hopes on getting the role of Mama Morton. She thought she was perfect for it.

“Michelle had been practising the songs and everything.”

“Michelle would love to be on the stage. She would be in her element. She’s trying not to let this knock get her down - but it’s hard when she had her heart set on it.”

Both women had auditioned for the part of Mama Morton in the hit stage production of Chicago, but last week the news broke that fiesty soul diva Brenda Edwards had been awarded the role.

But Michelle has not given up all hope and a source commented “by the summer, she’s hoping to have landed a starring role in another West End show.”