A TEENAGER who battled to overcome a lack of confidence could soon match fellow Harefield singer Katie Waissel.
Alice Groves, 14, of Truesdale Drive, is a step closer to fulfilling her dream of becoming a pop star.
But it was all so different when she suffered problems with her confidence after gaining weight. However, after losing two stone at a 'fat camp', Alice felt self-assured enough to step in front of the camera on Saturday in a national talent competition against hundreds of other hopefuls.
The Douay Martyrs pupil performed her own version of Shakin' Stevens' number one hit single, Merry Christmas Everyone, at the contest in Shoreditch.
Alice said: "I think this is a great way to show my confidence coming back.
"Before I went to the camp I could never have dreamed of doing something like this.
"I've always loved singing but would never have dreamed of performing in front of other people. I was too nervous to even sing to my mum.
"I'm a huge fan of music and would love to go to the ball to see the fantastic acts. When tickets went on sale I tried to order some but they sold out straight away. Then I went on to the website and saw the competition, but I didn't realise I would have to perform a song. When they called me back I was shocked.
"But I'm really glad I did and I think the audition went really well. I think I'm definitely in with a chance and it would mean the world to me if I won."
If she does win, Alice will join Capital FM presenters Johnny Vaughan and Lisa Snowdon on stage in front of thousands of people at The O2 Arena next month for the Jingle Bell Ball.
She will introduce her video at the concert, at which headline acts including Kylie Minogue, Black Eyed Peas and JLS will be performing.
