A DREAM came true for Gwent singing star Caroline Sheen last night when she took over the lead role in a West End musical.

Caroline, 27, from Caerleon, made her debut as Truly Scrumptious in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang alongside one of her heroes, Welsh musicals star Michael Ball.

She said: "It's a huge dream come true to be working alongside him.

"He's a kind of heart-throb for me, but I haven't told him that yet!"

Caroline is also working with Cwm's Victor Spinetti, who shot to fame when he starred with The Beatles, and became close friends of the band, in their films It's A Hard Day's Night, Help! and The Magical Mystery Tour.

Caroline said: "He's such a lovely man and he's got so many stories to tell."

A veteran of West End musicals Grease, Les Miserables and Mamma Mia, she replaces Emma Williams, who appeared with Steve Coogan in the film The Parole Officer.

The musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which was penned by 007 creator Ian Fleming and made into a successful film, has been acclaimed by critics.

Caroline said: "I had friends who performed in it and I've been to see it a few times. I was really impressed with the special effects, which are incredible.

"I thought the flying car would look really dodgy, but it doesn't at all, it looks great."

Caroline studied at Caerleon Comprehensive School and performed with the Cwmbran Operatic Society and the Gwent Young People's Theatre, in Abergavennny, before moving to study at the Guildford School of Acting.

Her debut as Truly Scrumptious was also a special night for Caroline's parents, John and Marjorie.

She said: "Actually it's the first time Mum and Dad, who split up eight years ago, were both there."