SUNDAY will see Esme Bowdler compete in the final of ITV's Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream for a chance to play 'Sophie' in the West End.

Esme, from Chester, is one of 14 musical theatre hopefuls who started the journey with the ABBA-themed show in the summer. The group has now been whittled down to just four finalists: Esme and Stevie, who will hope to become 'Sophie' and Tobias and Owen who will hope to become 'Sky'.

Beginning on the stunning islands of Greece, which form the setting for the now iconic film, the show will hold its live final at the Novello Theatre in London tomorrow.

The show was the first role that Esme had auditioned for in almost two years, despite working hard in the industry throughout that time and playing several concerts, most of which were unpaid. She says the opportunity to have this be her first major role is "mindblowing".

Esme said: "I think it's safe to say that I've had quite the journey. The show itself was not as smooth sailing as maybe I'd hoped. I've had some really big highs, incredible feedback from the judges and moments of feeling on top of the world but then I have also had moments where I ended up in the bottom two and I was ill one week also, so to be where I am now after going through that does feel incredible and I'm very grateful.

"I didn't think I'd make it onto the show to begin with, so to now say that I'm in the live final, Esme from last year would just never believe that I would be in this position."

Esme's dad, Matt, says that the family have had to contain their excitement about the upcoming final.

He said: "It's been a long year because we knew in June that she was in the final but couldn't say anything because we didn't want to spoil the show. It's been a long wait and I think it's been a great show, and well followed."

Though she now counts herself among the show's finalists, things could've turned out differently but for one decision.

Matt adds: "She was offered a 10 month Royal Caribbean Cruise and she ummed and ahhed because she knew she had this audition coming up. She turned down the cruise and went for the audition and then got several call backs and got through. It was obviously the right decision!"

The 23-year-old says that she had received a great deal of support during the journey from family, friends and others who have known her throughout her life.

"A primary school teacher of mine even found me on Instagram and sent me a message! Everyone who's ever helped me to be where I am, or that I've worked alongside while doing concerts and grafting in the industry, they've all given me so much support and they've all reached out. It's been really nice."

About Sunday's final she adds: "I'm feeling positive, I'm feeling good. I just hope that people have watched the journey and can see that I'm real and can see how much that I want it and how hard I've worked for it. I hope that people are rooting for me."

"I think if I was to win on Sunday, it would mean everything. All that hard work and dedication and support would pay off, it would be really reassuring to know that I am on the right path and this is what I'm meant to do and that people believe in me. Even if it doesn't go my way, the support that I've had has made it impossible not to believe in myself."

The live final will take place on Sunday, December 10 from 6.30pm on ITV 1 and ITVX. Details on how to vote for Esme will appear during the show and up to five free votes can be cast online.