The new musical opens at the Liverpool Empire from September this year before embarking on a nationwide tour and visiting Storyhouse, Chester in March 2018.

Cilla – The Musical is a musical adaptation of the critically acclaimed ITV mini-series based on the early life of Cilla Black, by BAFTA award winner Jeff Pope.

Following weeks of open auditions at venues up and down the country, Kara Lily Hayworth fought off thousands of hopefuls to be named as the girl who will step into Cilla’s shoes in the first ever musical about the star’s life.

Kara queued for four hours at London’s Dominion Theatre to have her chance to audition in the first rounds.

She made it through to the final 30 before being chosen to do her final audition at the Cavern Club in Liverpool.

Originally from Watford, Kara trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama, and recently performed in Secret Cinema’s Moulin Rouge.

Kara said “When I was 11 I was shopping with my mum and bumped into Cilla and asked her for an autograph. I told her I wanted to be an actress – she laughed and said ‘It’s a tough industry, but if you really work hard and go for it, you’ll be just fine.’ She was a huge inspiration to me as a child; I grew up watching her on Blind Date every Saturday night with my Nan. To be chosen to play her is such an honour and I’m so excited to take on the role. To open in her hometown of Liverpool is so special and a real privilege.”

The story of the musical follows the life of Priscilla White, from teenager in Liverpool to international singing star and television entertainer.

The musical score will include Cilla’s greatest hits, such as Anyone Who Had a Heart, Alfie and Something Tells Me.