AN up-and-coming actress from Worcester has been glued to the TV set today to watch herself star in a BBC drama.

Charlotte Holland landed a part in Doctors after winning a BBC talent competition.

The 21-year-old, of The Hill Avenue in Battenhall, was one of 30 whittled down from 12,000 judged to be the cream of the crop by Beeb judges - but that was in December 2001.

She was given a contract at the time to act in a top show - and eventually got the call to say she had landed a part in Doctors early this year.

"It was worth the wait," Charlotte, who is working at Cannons Health Club in Perdiswell, said.

"I spent two days filming up in Birmingham, in June and loved every minute."

But Charlotte, a former member of Worcester Operatic And Dramatic Youth Society, its parents group WODS and the National Youth Theatre, had to rely on the advice of her mum Hilary to ensure she played her role perfectly.

"I give birth in the show," she said. "As I have never done this I asked mum a lot of questions to make sure I looked realistic. "It must have worked as the producers said I did really well and I earned the nickname 'heavy breathing lady'!"

Charlotte has spent the last few days ringing round agents making sure they watch her.

"I'm really hoping that this is the start of my acting career," she added.

Charlotte was appearing in Doctors at 2pm on BBC1.