"It was weird standing there talking to John Lennon; Alanis Morrisette Gabrielle and ZZ Top..." I'm 23 years old and split my time between working as a part-time Employment & Training Advisor with Staffordshire Connexions and singing with girl duo Embraced. In my spare time I enjoy film; camping and going on holiday. My story is about always wanting to be on the ITV programme Stars In Their Eyes and eventually having he opportunity to do so. I chose to tell this story as it was such a wonderful experience and I feel that it could show others that, if you really want to do something, you should go out there and do it. Inside Lives has been great - meeting new people and listening to their stories. I learnt so much about storytelling and writing stories. Editing my story was interesting to learn too.
The smoke filled the air as the doors slowly opened. I was tapped on the shoulder and that was my cue to walk through the doors to what was going to be one of the best moments of my life. I couldn't wait to see my mum and dad's faces as Matthew Kelly said "Tonight Becky Clarke is Louise". I'd always wanted to be on Stars in their Eyes, but never knew who I could be. Then I sung a song by Louise and my friend said "You sound just like her singing that". So I went for it! Before I knew it I was in the hair and make up room at Granada Studios, ready to be turned into Louise. It took a £1500 wig, a smart trouser suit and a good few hours of dance rehearsals. The singing bit was easy! So I walked through the famous doors and through that magical smoke and stood there looking into the audience. Being on stage with the dancers was amazing. Everything was focussed on me - I felt like a star! It was strange when it came to the voting though 'cause I'd forgotten this was all a competition. It really didn't matter if I won or not. Just getting on the show was good enough. In the end I was voted second - John Lennon won - but it was a lovely feeling to know that all those people had voted for me. After recording the show we all had drinks with Matthew Kelly. He found it really funny that I'd sent my application form in the most luminous green envelope I could find! But it worked! It was weird standing there chatting to John Lennon, Alanis Morrisette, Gabrielle, and ZZ Top! I made really good friends with Alanis and we've arranged to meet up to go and watch the final of Stars in their Eyes. She wasn't bothered about winning either - she'd only gone on for a bet! I felt so emotional and excited when it was shown on the telly. After dreaming of being on the show for years I'd actually done it. Being on Stars in their Eyes made my little dream come true. | 
