A Heston singer hopes to prove she's the real deal by reaching the final of a national talent contest.

Bandana Gill, 28, has already fought off hundreds of competitors to make the regional finals of Idol 2008 with her rousing rendition of The Pretenders' I'll Stand By You.

The IT worker is due to compete in Croydon on Wednesday for a spot in the national showdown this November, where a top prize of £25,000 will be up for grabs.

Bandana, who lives at home with her parents and two brothers, said she loves singing but her shyness has always held her back before.

"I'm filled with a mixture of nerves and excitement, especially because my family's never seen me perform on stage," she added.