Niki Evans: My West End dream

Jan 29 2008 By Emma Cullwick

TAMWORTH X Factor finalist Niki Evans is hoping to star in a West End musical, she revealed today.

The Birmingham Mail reported earlier this month that the mother of two, from Polesworth, had finally quit her job as a dinner lady at Polesworth International School in a bid to begin a pop career after she made it down to the final four on the ITV talent show.

The 35-year-old has been flooded with requests to stage gigs at venues across the world and she recently met with her management team to discuss her next move.

"I have been offered the chance to star in a brand new musical in the West End in 2009," said delighted Niki.

"It's come as quite a surprise but I think it would be a fantastic opportunity.

"I can't go into details because things are being discussed but I'm very excited."

And Niki, who is mum to Jonah, aged 11, and Morgan, 13, hasn't ruled out a potential record deal.

"I've had lots of positive feed back from my management team and they've told me that I've been the most in demand out of all the X Factor finalists, despite the fact I came fourth.

"There is mention of a record deal but I can't confirm anything until the X Factor tour is out of the way."

Niki, who is married to 34-year-old Darren, who owns a printing business in Sheldon, said she is constantly being mobbed by crowds of fans.

And Niki said despite missing out on the X Factor's dream prize - a £1 million record deal - she still feels like a winner.

"I feel like I've been given the greatest of opportunities and it's impossible to be disappointed by how things are working out," she said.

The show was won by Leon Jackson, with the bookies' favourite Rhydian Roberts, who lives in Edgbaston, coming second.

Niki is now set to rehearse for the X Factor tour which arrives at Birmingham's NEC on Tuesday, March 18.

* For tickets visit www.bookingsdirect.com or call 0870 735 5000.