Introducing: Leanne Dobinson

From: Colchester, Essex
Age: 20
Occupation: Unemployed
Family: Two younger sisters Danielle and Shannon.
Experience: Singing lessons age 12-15. Self taught to sing in Italian, French, German and Latin.

An Essex lass, Leanne has been singing since she was young and has had no formal training, although she did have singing lessons for a few years when she was little. After being inspired by a Leslie Garratt TV show she taught herself how to sing in Italian, French, German and Latin after borrowing some CDs from the library.

Although Leanne played the role of a young Eponine in Les Miserables in the West End, it involved just walking across the stage each night and she didn't get the chance to sing.

Leanne took part in about 10 local talent competitions between ages 9-15, the biggest was the Haven Stars of Tomorrow National Finals, which she won! She once wanted to be a nun after seeing The Sound of Music but soon changed her mind when she visited a school run by nuns.

In Leanne's School Year Book she was voted "Person Most Likely To Be Famous". She was working as an Assistant Manager in a ladies clothes shop until one week before her first audition. Business was quiet and they had to make job cuts but although unemployed, she has been able to concentrate on auditioning for Maria.

Leanne loves listening to classical music and loves Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli.

When did you first realise you had a talent for singing?
I have always sung from a young age (really since I could talk)

What is your favourite musical?
The Phantom of the Opera, The Sound of Music, My Fair Lady.

Who is your favourite character in a musical and why?
Maria in The Sound of Music, because I see a lot of similarities in our character. Or Christine in Phantom, her life is also very similar to mine.

What qualities do you have similar to those of Maria?
I am kind hearted, I have child-like qualities, love children and have a real flair for adventure and trying new things.

Why should you be the next Maria?
My personality fits perfectly to the role as Maria and because I have had no formal training, I am a blank canvas that the producers and director can work with.