X Factor winner Sam Bailey is coming to Dartford in the hit musical Chicago – and admits she has butterflies just thinking about it.

Bexley-born Bailey, 38, has fond memories of going to the Orchard Theatre, where she will be performing from February 29 to March 5 as part of the UK tour.

The mum-of-three makes her musical theatre debut in Oxford next week and is looking forward to returning to Dartford.

The former prison officer told News Shopper: “I can’t wait to perform at the Orchard - I’m from that neck of the woods so it’s going to be amazing.

“Going to the Orchard was incredible when I was younger. I used to go and watch pantos and Chas and Dave was the last show I saw at the theatre.

News Shopper:

Sam Bailey (right) in Chicago poster

“I have great memories of Dartford and I would often go out with friends to Zens nightclub."

She added: “I heard they wanted me in Chicago last October.

“What a show to be starting your musical theatre career in. I’m just very lucky to be in a show with such amazing people – I have butterflies just thinking about it.”

More: 'Football or singing' was a dilemma for Sam Bailey

Bailey plays 'Mama' Morton, the matron of the Cook County jail, the same role played by Queen Latifah in the movie.

Bailey won the X Factor in 2013, then grabbed the Christmas Number One spot and topped the charts with her debut album the following year.

However, she was dropped from Simon Cowell’s record label Syco last February and 2014 winner Ben Haenow was recently axed, too.

Bailey holds no hard feelings over her exit.

She said: “The label isn't under any obligation to keep you and, at the end of the day, it’s a business.

“I messaged Ben saying he’s been set free, just like I was.

MORE: Sam Bailey talks about coming home to Bexley

“Not in a bad way, though, I just mean there’s so much more he can now do. I wanted to do performing arts but wouldn’t have been able to if I was with a record label.

“So, I am not releasing my new album later this year for world domination, I am doing it for my fans.

“I’ve written my own material, with songwriter Ben Adams, and there are some real heavy, personal songs on it.”

Bailey will be performing in the Chicago UK tour until July.

Click here to book tickets.