A BOLTON dancer is finding “fame” thanks to a role in the national tour of a 1980s hit musical.

Hannah Wilson, aged 22, from Tonge Moor, is appearing in the 25th anniversary production of Fame, which hits The Lowry, Salford Quays, from tonight.

The much-loved show has been re-mixed and re-imagined to create a new, fresh and updated version for its landmark year.

The former Canon Slade School pupil is part of the ensemble but is also an understudy and has been called on to cover two main roles when fellow cast members have fallen ill or got injured.

She said: “I’m a dancer in it. I also cover two of the parts. I cover the lead, Serena, and Lambchops.

“I’ve been on for both the parts. That was an experience.

“It was kind of a last-minute thing but it was really exciting but obviously nerve-wracking.

“A lot of the ensemble do cover parts, it’s not just me.

“Fame is amazing. It’s such a feel-good show as well.

“It’s got lots of characters in it, the music is amazing, the choreography is mind-blowing.”

Based on the Oscar-winning film, Fame — The Musical follows a group of star-struck wannabes as they embark on their quest for success at the world-famous High School for Performing Arts New York.

The hi-octane roller-coaster of a show — bursting with dance routines and unforgettable songs — sees the young talented hopefuls under-take the journey of their lives while ambition, triumph, heartbreak and romance conspire to steer them off course.

Miss Wilson, who went to Dawn Dawson’s Academy of Dance and Stage, said: “I went there from when I was about six years old. It was a hobby when I was little.”

She knew from the age of about 12 she wanted to make a career out of it and, at the age of 16, left home to attend SLP College, a performing arts college near Leeds.

The talented dancer, who enjoys many styles including tap and jazz, was a semi-finalist on Sky 1’s Got To Dance in 2012 and worked as a dancer on a cruise ship in Australia last year before landing a place on the 10-month Fame tour.

And when it comes to plans for the future, the stage star says there are too many fantastic parts out there to pinpoint one dream role.

She said: “To me, it’s just doing what I love.

“There’s so many shows out there, especially these days when so many new ones are happening.”

Fame — The Musical is at The Lowry, Salford Quays, from tonight until Saturday and tickets are still available.