SHE helps young people reach for the stars — and now Emma Matthews has a starring role in a new tour of David Walliams’ Gangsta Granny.

The professional actor who runs Theatre Works — based in Bolton and Bury — alongside fellow actor Lauren Bateman, will be appearing in the award-winning West End production from March until July. She found out she had got a part on the night of Bolton’s Got Talent hosted by Peter Kay — the night her young people came second and Jaiden Sayer, from Westhoughton, came first.

Emma, aged 36, who lives in Little Lever, is busy organising rehearsals for the young members before they take to the stage in London for Billy Elliot — with Jaiden, who has joined the theatre group, taking the lead part. She will start rehearsing for the hit production in two weeks.

She said: “I told the children afterwards, because Bolton’s Got Talent was about them.

“I’m a huge fan of David Walliams and when I went for the audition I really wanted the part. It is a small cast so I will playing a variety of characters, the matron the policewoman. I have never done a national tour before.

“I will miss the children but they will be taught by some great teachers who have different expertise and some have already bought tickets to see me when it comes to Preston.”

But before she can start thinking of her role, she is ensuring the young people are ready for their appearance at London’s Sadler’s Wells Theatre.

“The rehearsals for Billy Elliot are going well and I have to choreograph the routine before I go for rehearsals.”