Belfast's Rachel Tucker is set to make her leading lady West End debut tonight in the hit musical We Will Rock You.

Family and friends of the I’d Do Anything singer travelled to London over the weekend to cheer her on in her ‘meaty’ new role.

The pretty brunette from the north of the city will play the part of sassy Meat in the Queen musical at the Dominion Theatre.

Based on the songs of Queen, We Will Rock You was written by Ben Elton in collaboration with Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor.

Strictly Come Dancing’s Arlene Phillips is the show’s choreographer.

The musical opened in May 2002 and despite being panned by the critics, has remained an audience favourite. It is also the longest-running musical at the Dominion.

The story takes place in a dystopian future where originality is shunned and a lone ‘Dreamer’ appears who can fulfil a prophecy that will enable the return of rock ‘n roll.

Rachel’s role was made famous by singer Kerry Ellis, now a huge success on Broadway in Wicked — by coincidence, Wicked is the musical Rachel says she would most love to star in.

While Rachel was taking part in the BBC’s talent search I’d Do Anything to find a Nancy, to star in Cameron Mackintosh’s Oliver — Kerry was one of her biggest supporters.

Speaking ahead of tonight’s debut, Rachel said: “I’m |beside myself with excitement.

“This is a dream part for me. We Will Rock You is one of my favourite shows.

“I first saw it when I was a student at the Royal Academy and loved it.

“I can’t believe I’m going to be in it now.”

Rachel, who played Dorothy in the Lyric Theatre’s Wizard of Oz production last year, was one of the favourites to win I’d Do Anything after winning over the public and judges with her consistently good performances each week.

However, she missed out on making it though to the final, despite Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber telling her she had a “huge career” ahead of her.