Millions of television viewers are expected to tune in to see if a 22-year-old singer from East Finchley can beat more than 10,000 hopefuls to reach the grand final of ITV's Pop Idol programme.

Nicola Thomas, of Elmhurst Crescent, is due to appear with nine others on Saturday's programme hosted by Ant and Dec. Nicola, whose brother Damian is bass guitarist in Mill Hill-based rock band Crafty, hopes to win over viewers with a cover version of 'Finally' by Ce Ce Peniston.

"I'll be wearing a pink sequinned number and if the viewers choose me, I'll be over the moon," she said.

In June, people aged between 16 and 26 applied to audition for the chance to be the next Robbie Williams or Madonna. A panel of four judges including head of A&R and RCA records, Simon Cowell, whittled them down to 50 and viewers vote over the telephone after each programme to decide who stays.

Simon said: "At the end of the day you've either got star quality or you haven't. It's not something you can fake or make."

Nicola is no stranger to stardom. She has appeared as an extra in Grange Hill, sang live harmonies for the band Crafty and appeared in the London opera Carmen.

The Pop Idol winner will win a deal with 19 Management, the team behind the Spice Girls and S Club 7, and a recording contract with RCA records.

The hour-long programme starts at 6pm on ITV1.

December 3, 2001 13:00