Producers of Cilla the Musical have announced casting of their leading lady.

Kara Lily Hayworth fought off thousands of hopefuls at open auditions across the country to be offered the role of Cilla in the first ever musical about the star’s life. The musical will come to New Wimbledon Theatre on November 7 to 11.

Cilla - The Musical, is an adaptation of the critically acclaimed ITV mini-series based on the early life of Cilla Black, by BAFTA award winner Jeff Pope. The new musical, opens in Cilla’s hometown at the Liverpool Empire from September 7 to 16 before the nationwide tour.

The story follows the life of the Priscilla White, and her rise to fame. By the age of just 25 she was recognized as international singing star Cilla Black. By the age of 30 she had become one of Britain’s favourite television entertainer headlining series such as Blind Date and Surprise Surprise.

Kara queued for four hours at London’s Dominion Theatre to audition in the first rounds. She made it through to the final 30 before being chosen for the final audition at the Cavern Club in Liverpool.

Kara, from Watford, trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama.

Robert Willis, an executive producer and Cilla's son, said: "We wanted somebody who wasn’t going to impersonate my mum but someone who could capture her spirit. Kara came in with her huge personality and amazing voice – when I saw the response of the audience at the Cavern, I knew we’d found her!”

Kara said: “When I was 11 I was shopping out with my mum and bumped into Cilla and asked her for an autograph. I told her I wanted to be an actress – she laughed and said ‘It’s a tough industry, but if you really work hard and go for it, you’ll be just fine.’

"She was a huge inspiration to me as a child; I grew up watching her on Blind Date every Saturday night with my Nan. To be chosen to play her is such an honor and I’m so excited to take on the role. To open in her hometown of Liverpool is so special and a real privilege.”