A CUMBRIAN woman has been wished well by a much-loved pop star, 20 years on from the moment she impersonated the singer on hit TV show, Star in Their Eyes.

Emma Morgan, who comes from Crosby near Maryport, featured on the TV show 20 years ago this month.

Following the rise of the popularity of Sophie Ellis-Bextor's 'Murder on the Dancefloor' after it featured on the soundtrack of movie Saltburn, a video of Emma singing the song on the show went viral on social media.

The video was shared by singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor on her Instagram story with the singer saying: "This is still amazing.

"Wherever this lady is now, I send her my love."

Talking about the experience, Emma Morgan said: "I sang on Stars in Their Eyes and the episode was recorded in 2002 but not aired until January 2004, so exactly 20 years ago.

"I actually sang ‘Take Me Home’ by Sophie Ellis-Bextor in my first audition but they asked me if I would sing 'Murder on the Dancefloor' instead as it had become such a popular song at the time.

The Westmorland Gazette: The Instagram story on Sophie Ellis Bextor's page.The Instagram story on Sophie Ellis Bextor's page. (Image: Supplied)

"I went to dance rehearsals in London and it was filmed in Manchester Granada/ITV studios. Matthew Kelly was the presenter at that time.

"It was a brilliant experience and the other contestants on my episode were really friendly.

"It was an insight into what showbiz might be like, with my own dressing room, costume and wig fittings - I’m blonde so I needed a dark wig for the performance - and trips to Manchester for singing and dance rehearsals.

"It was a once in a lifetime experience that I’ll never forget."