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Pop idol Sarah signs album deal

21/12/2001

WORSLEY starlet Sarah Whatmore has been given the best Christmas present she could ever wish for, as the Pop Idol performer now looks set for stardom.

The talented 20-year-old, who failed to make it through to the final 10 of the top TV show, says she is looking forward to a glittering New Year after signing a deal with RCA Records - which Pop Idol judge, 'nasty' Simon Cowell works for as a head-hunter.

Although she got voted off the show, which held the first of its finals on Saturday, Sarah made a big impression with viewers and judges alike, even getting a proposal to 'marry me' from the usually scathing Mr Cowell, who was clearly bowled over by both her singing and her revealing outfit.

But Sarah, who says she has wanted to be a singer since she was three, was not going out without a fight and straight away contacted RCA saying she was looking for a manager.

She has now signed an album deal with the company and says she will be managed by Simon Fuller who has worked with the Spice Girls and S Club 7.

Although she is keeping the details close to her chest, Sarah has already heard demo versions of songs she will be performing and is expecting to go into the recording studio within the next few weeks.

She describes the music as Jennifer Lopez style 'R n B pop' and says we can look forward to a single early in the New Year.

Sarah told us: "I'm absolutely delighted, it's a dream come true. I did go into the competition to win but I appreciate the fact that I had exposure from the show and that's what I felt I needed to achieve.

"I've got a comfortable offer but I know I'm going to have to work very hard."

The record label was unavailable for comment. However, anyone looking forward to hearing Sarah may not have to wait for the single to come out as she is singing at a sell-out gig at Worsley's John Gilbert pub on Christmas Eve.