The 50-year-old singing sensation ' who shot to fame on Simon Cowell's talent search show 'Britain's Got Talent' in 2009 before going on to sell more than 14 million albums worldwide ' will see her inspirational tale take to the stage from 2012 in international stage production 'I Dreamed A Dream'.

Susan, who will be portrayed by 'Rab C. Nesbitt' actress Elaine C Smith, is thrilled at the prospect of seeing her life turned into a worldwide musical.

She said: "I am happy that the musical is being produced, I never thought my life story would end up on the stage but a lot has happened in two years and it is a very exciting prospect. I hope everyone enjoys the show and I promise there will be a few surprises along the way."

Meanwhile, producer Michael Harrison claimed the brand new musical will have all the qualities of a real-life "fairytale". He added: "She is an inspiring woman and her story is an excellent one to tell - someone with a raw talent who surprises the world and overturns all the odds to make a new life for herself. "It's got all the qualities of a fairytale, but with the added bonus of being absolutely true.

I am looking forward to the tour very much."