WATCH: Wednesbury woman through to regional finals of Open Mic UK

Helen James, aged 43, from Wednesbury, was shocked to discover she had made it to the regional finals of Open Mic UK - after her husband, Spencer, sent off an audition tape without her knowledge.

"I was on holiday at the time, so I couldn't make it to an audition, and I didn't have a clue he had sent anything off," Mrs James explained.

"It was just a video of me singing a Cher song at home, so I was really surprised when I got a call to invite me to perform in front of the judges."

The mother-of-four, from Shaftesbury Road, will be up against singers from around the country when she sings in Nottingham on October 25.

It is expected that famous names will also be on the judging panel, following audition rounds that have took place in some of the biggest venues in the UK.

Former X Factor contestants Lucy Spraggan and Jahmene Douglas have found success from the competition before - which sees a £20,000 prize pool up for grabs and the chance to be scouted by major record labels.

If Mrs James makes it through this stage so will be invited to sing at the final show.

Although it was only three years ago that she started singing, she has gained fans from singing at local charity events and shows. Most notably supporting The Three Degrees at Wednesbury Town Hall.

"I sing anything from Celine Dion to Whitney Houston and Dusty Springfield. But Motown and Soul is my forte.

"Before becoming a professional singer I only used to do a bit of karaoke - but now it's just all took off.

"My husband has been the driving force behind all this and is kind of like my manager.

"It was my confidence more than anything that always held me back - but he has always believed and supported me no matter what.

"I'm a little nervous about the show but really excited too - I'm just going to get up there and do my best."