Dance sensation Charlie Bruce has won a role in a hit West End musical.

The 19-year-old, who grew up in Melton, has been signed up to understudy the lead part of Baby in the box office smash Dirty Dancing.

Charlie has been trying to break into the industry since being crowned Britain's favourite dancer on the BBC talent show So You Think You Can Dance, in February.

Her big break, in the stage version of the 1980s Hollywood film starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, follows months of auditioning for musicals and soaps.

Charlie discovered the news on her return this week from Mexico, where she has been filming a TV dance show based on the American reality show, Dancing With the Stars.

She said: "I was due to be out there for 10 weeks but unfortunately picked up a slight hip injury in rehearsals and had to come back after two weeks.

"I was really disappointed, but when I got home there was a message waiting for me from my agent saying I'd got the part in Dirty Dancing.

"I was elated. To get such a major role, especially being so young, is brilliant.

"It's a film I love and it's always been my dream to perform on the West End.

"It's my first job as a professional dancer and I'm going to have to work hard but I'm really happy – all my family and friends are really chuffed for me, too."

Her year-long contract, which runs from July, guarantees Charlie several star turns at London's Aldwych Theatre.

Charlie, who attended Sherard Primary School, in Melton, and was a student at Charnwood School of Dance, only narrowly missed out on the lead role in another of her favourite musicals, the stage version of Flashdance.

She said: "I made it to the final audition but I think they were looking for someone a little older.

"Getting the part in Dirty Dancing is my big chance and has given me a huge lift."

On August 9, Charlie will also be on a guest star in the grand final of the US version of So You Think You Can Dance – one of the most popular programmes on American TV.

She said: "The last six months have been incredible. Going to LA is going to be so exciting and it's where I want to move eventually."

Before her Saturday night TV fame, the teenager was working as a part-time assistant in a shop.

Charlie's mum, Sally Bruce, who lives in Cropston, said: "Watching her in Dirty Dancing is going to be strange for me because it's my favourite film.

"It's going to be weird but sensational."