A hospital receptionist has been entertaining patients as she prepares for her shot at a national talent show.

Natasha Budd said she had been using the acoustics of Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre's corridors in Windmill Road, Headington, Oxford, to practise her singing ahead of her appearance in the Idol 2008 regional final.

Miss Budd said she hoped to wow the judges on November 9 at the Princes Theatre in Aldershot to secure her place in the grand final of the talent show in December.

The 27-year-old single mother from Mattock Close, Headington, said: "I'm practising lots and lots. I think I will sing The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.

"I've been practising at work in the evenings when I'm working late — it sounds great and occasionally I get a patient coming out of their room to see what is going on.

"I love singing and it's something I would love to do for a living.

"I often sit at work thinking I could be a singer.

"Leona Lewis was a receptionist before she won the X Factor, so I would love to follow in her footsteps."

More than 10,000 people have entered this year's contest, which is open to both dancers and singers, making it the largest talent show in the country outside ITV's X Factor.

As well as the chance to perform on stage in front of large audiences, the eventual winner of the competition will get £25,000 and a possible recording contract.

And Miss Budd said she hoped the fans she was taking along on the night would sway the judges in her favour.

She said: "I'm going to make sure there are plenty of friends and family in the audience, as well as my seven-year-old son Rhys "I'm hiring a coach for 53 people, so there will be plenty of people supporting me.

"The audience also get the chance to vote for their favourite as well, so the more the merrier."

The talent show hopeful said nerves have not been a problem as she prepared for the big day, having previously won a national karaoke competition organised by bar chain Que Pasa.

She added: "I know I will be a little nervous when I get to the day, but I've performed in front of the judges for the auditions so I know what to expect."

"I'm just determined to make it in the music industry.

“I'll never give up until I do something great."