Samantha Coe, who comes from Braiseworth, near Eye, has already had a taste of big time success.

As part of the all-female trio Wildflowers, Sam, who trained as a classical singer and plays guitar and piano, teamed up with cellist Lizzy May and pianist Paula Leek to play three dates in Belfast in October last year as support to Take That, performing live in front of crowds of 20,000 people.

Take That lead singer Gary Barlow also penned a song for the group.

Now flying solo again, Sam has won her way through to the regional heats of Idol 2008 – a music and dance competition with the chance to perform live in front of large audiences and a celebrity panel of judges.

If Sam wins the regional final in Ipswich, she will perform at the National Grand Final in Portsmouth Guildhall on November 29.

Idol 2008 is the largest such competition in the UK after X-Factor, with more than 10,000 applicants entering this year's contest.

The vocal winners will receive a range of prizes including a recording contract to release a single, while the dance winners will go on a UK tour and appear in the video for the vocal winner's single.

Voting at the regional final on October 19 will be by audience vote, as well as voting from a panel of music and dance celebrity judges, so Sam is hoping for lots of local support on the night.

"The more people I have there voting for me, the better," she said.

"Also, people who can shout nice things about me very loudly would be appreciated!"

The Idol 2008 Ipswich regional final starts at the Corn Exchange at 8pm and tickets cost £7.50.

The show will include a performance by a yet-to-be-announced star guest.