SAM Bailey has a quick way of describing her role in the hit musical Chicago which opens in Manchester next week.

"I'm the one wearing the most clothes apart from the band," she says with a wicked laugh. "It's a relief for me and to be honest probably for everyone else too."

Sam, who captured the nation's hearts when she romped to victory on X Factor in 2013, is playing Mama Morton in the show alongside John Partridge from EastEnders and former Emmerdale and Coronation Street actress Hayley Tammadon.

"Yes I'm playing a prison warden, no change there then," she laughed.

Sam famously was a prison officer at HM Prison Gartree when she when she won the TV talent show.

Then her life changed forever as she first had a number one single and then a number one album before taking to the stage.

"According to the reviews I've been pretty good, so I'll take that," she said in a typically down-to-earth manner.

"Being in something like Chicago is a first for me and it's a real learning experience but I'm loving it. I was a bit nervous going into rehearsals but the cast have been lovely and really welcomed me on board.

"Now we're just having a great time and the audience reaction to the show has been really good."

The only problem of being part of a hit touring show for Sam is being separated from her family - she has three children Tommy, 10, Brooke, six and 18-month-old Miley

"Thank goodness for Facetime," she said. "I speak to them every day and I go home when I can."

Sam's devotion to her family has led to her being voted Closer magazine's Celebrity Mum of the Year ahead of the likes of Claire Sweeney, Natasha Hamilton and Jennifer Ellison.

"I'm so lucky to have my wonderful husband Craig," said Sam. "I just think that people can relate to me because I'm just a normal mum.

"I can honestly say that I haven't changed as a person from when I started out on X Factor. I'm just trying to do my best."

Chicago includes classic musical numbers including as All The Jazz and Razzle Dazzle and is renowned for its complex dance routines devised by the legendary Broadway choreographer Bob Fosse. It tells the story of nightclub singer Roxie Hart who faces the death penalty after shooting her lover.

"I leave the dance routines to the pros," said Sam. "I'm there for my voice and there are some great songs in the show. I've been really chuffed at the reaction I get from the audience. When you get people standing and cheering that's an amazing experience."

Sam will be in Chicago as it tours the country until the summer.

"Then it's time for a lovely holiday with the family," she said. "After that I'll be concentrating on my new album."

Her debut album The Power of Love was released on the Syco label run by Simon Cowell but Sam has since split from the record company.

"The new album will have original songs on it," said Sam. "I have been busy writing and I can't wait for people to hear them.

"I'm really doing the album for fun, I'm not trying to be the next Adele or anything like that.

"I have written about my own experiences and things that people can relate to.

"I really think that songs have to come from the heart."

Sam revealed that one of the songs was based on her experiences on X Factor.

"It's not a revenge song as some people have suggested," she said. "It's more about why I went on the show and the experience I got from it. I'm not a negative person."

Sam is also planning more solo shows in the autumn.

"I just enjoy working hard and seeing what comes along," she said. "I have been so lucky with all the opportunities I've had."

Chicago, Manchester Opera House, Monday, March 21 to Saturday, April 2. Details from 0844 871 3018.