Life has already drastically changed for West End stage talent show star Samantha Barks.

While speaking to the Hounslow and Brentford Times in Oxford Street this week, the rising star was approached three times by people wanting her autograph.

She said: "It's crazy, you never think you will get to this day when people will come up to you in the street."

Last weekend the 17-year-old finished third in the BBC reality TV contest I'd Do Anything, after 10 nail-biting episodes bidding to win the part of Nancy in a new production of Oliver!

Originally from the Isle of Man, the talented teen moved to Chiswick in September to study her A-levels at an arts educational school in Turnham Green, which she put on hold as her success took off on the show.

With several auditions already behind her since losing out on the top prize on Saturday, Samantha said she was not sure if she would get back to her studies straight away.

She said: "I'll see what comes up before I make any decisions.

"I really did want the role of Nancy, but I learned a hell of a lot from the whole competition and my life has changed drastically."

However, Chiswick's adopted chanteuse said she loved W4 and had no plans to move out of the area.

She said: "There is such a strong community in Chiswick and I love the amazing boutique shops."

In spite of the Samantha competitiveness on set said she and the other Nancy contenders were all friends and she even revealed that Chiswick is currently home to another hopeful - Niamh - who is staying with her at the moment.

She said: "I've been on this amazing journey with all the girls. Today I went to lunch with Jodie, the new Nancy. Apart from my new Nancy friends, all my friends live in Chiswick."