Sound of Music's new Maria

Last night Hollyoaks actress Summer Strallen took over from Connie Fisher as the world's most famous singing nun, in the West End stage show of The Sound of Music.

As part of a publicity twist, Summer played a character of the same first name in the Channel 4 soap who landed an audition with musical impresario Andrew Lloyd Webber.

The 23 year old actress has already appeared in stage shows such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Drowsy Chaperone, The Boyfriend and Guys and Dolls. Lloyd Webber was first impressed by her performance in Cats as a teenager. Her official opening night is Monday 3 March.

According to the Daily Mail, Lloyd Webber said, "She's pretty terrific... She's definitely going to be in the big league. She is going to bring something very different to the part of Maria."

Connie Fisher, 24, is hoping to develop her career in musical theatre following 15 months playing Maria. She landed the role in 2006 after winning the BBC television show 'How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?'. Her second album is due for release later this year.

Written by: Maxine Clarke