A HARWOOD teenager was transformed into southern belle Dolly Parton for hit TV show Stars in Their Eyes.

In the ITV show, which is hosted by comedian Harry Hill and aired on Saturday night, Kennedy Ross, aged 19, sang Nine to Five after walking through the iconic smoky doors.

The former Canon Slade School pupil says she has now decided to start a career as a Dolly Parton tribute act while she also carries on working as a shop assistant in the Disney store at the Trafford Centre.

She watched the programme from a social club in Bangor, Wales, before taking to the stage for her first paid gig as a Dolly Parton impersonator.

Kennedy said: “It was really nerve wracking watching it — my heart was in my mouth.

“I was dead worried, thinking 'Am I going to look okay, am I going to sound okay'.”

She added: “I chose Dolly because I do listen to her quite a lot.

“When I go out singing at the weekend, I’d be singing Nine to Five and people would tell me I sounded like her, so I thought I’d apply for the show and see how it goes.”

Behind the scenes, through the smoky doors, is a whirlwind of hair, make-up and costume, as well as choreographers giving last-minute tips on how to perform well, she said.

Her parents Tony and Tracie Ross were also filmed as part of the shop.

“My mum was the one who got me into show businesses — she was a Blue Coat at Pontins and is my inspiration”, she said.

“She loved every minute. My dad is a bit camera-shy but he loved it too.”

Kennedy lost out on the top spot to a Paloma Faith impersonator, but said she didn’t care about not winning the show.

“All the contestants really got on — we were so close and we all said it didn’t matter who won”, she said.

“It was just amazing, the experience I had was enough. I’d be happy to do it forever.”

Kennedy will be performing her Dolly Parton tribute at the Red Lion in Four Lane Ends, Over Hulton, on Friday, February 27.