DESPITE being relatively unknown in the UK, a Bromley make-up artist has become a pop sensation in Japan, recording numerous chart-topping songs and performing sold-out gigs that have played to thousands.

Charlie Jacks, who grew up in Church Road, Shortlands, admits her sudden rise to stardom came completely by accident, when she was asked to record single Come On.

The 28-year-old told News Shopper: "I recorded Come On when I was around 19 or 20.

"At the time I was just a session singer, I wasn't a recording artist, the studio would just ask me to come in and pay me to sing a song.

"We released it as a single and overnight it had sold out in Japan.

"It felt amazing, it was overwhelming to have achieved a goal that so many people in the world want to achieve."

Come On sold 35,000 copies in a single day, giving rise to an incredible run of success, and the former glamour model now boasts nine number one singles and six number one albums.

News Shopper:

It all started when she was at school in Bromley, taking up singing lessons at the now closed Holy Trinity School in Sundridge Park.

Charlie, who now lives in Tunbridge Wells, said: "From when I was little it was either going to be singing or acting.

"I used to watch music videos and pretend that it was me.

"Whenever I had the opportunity, whether it was in front of friends or family, I would sing."

She is signed to Manhattan Records and her career highlights include a tour of Japan, which took in cities including Tokyo in 2008.

Since then Charlie has had her first child, Lily, now four, and is still busy recording music.

In July she released a new album, Can You Hear Me, while in November she released single Speakerphone, recorded with Jermaine Riley, formerly of boy band Fundamental.

Charlie's goal in 2014 is to release her first UK single. Visit charliejacks.com or follow Charlie on Twitter @charlietoons.