FORMER colleagues of Bolton's lapdancing Castaway Erica Hurst have tipped her for the top as she begins life on a remote island off New Zealand.

The 22-year-old from Kearsley has begun her 12-week stint on Great Barrier Island as part of the BBC1 reality TV show.

Newly-married Erica will be revealed to viewers during Friday's opening episode, which will feature footage of her around her home town and working at Diamonds Lap Dancing Club in Manor Street, Bolton.

Fans will be able to watch as she tries to fit in with her 12 fellow castaways, who will have to build shelter, find food and develop a community.

Her former boss at Chester's Reiss clothing boutique, where she worked while studying, believes she has all it takes to handle the tough environment and realise her dream of getting a big break in TV Paul Barber said: "Erica worked part-time with us for about 12 months and she was brilliant, absolutely fantastic.

"We get some girls who don't have much about them but Erica was really bubbly and mixed really well with the other staff.

"She could probably succeed in anything because she had such a lot about her."

Mr Barber, who now manages the Liverpool store, said Erica's "adventurous spirit" and love for travel were apparent. And Barry Grundy, the owner of Diamonds, said Erica had danced there "on and off for a couple of years".

"She was a nice girl and got on well with all of the others", he said.

"Five or six weeks ago a TV crew came filming here but I didn't realise what it was for because we often allow filming here.

"I should have realised it was something special by the size of the crew."

A self-confessed tomboy with a love for extreme sports, snowboarding and Thai boxing, Erica will need all her courage and determination as the castaways battle to overcome setbacks.

A BBC spokesman revealed that the castaways have already been forced to use their ingenuity.

"They were given only one match to last 12 weeks and I know they've already struck that match to light a fire. That fire went out," he said.

"They've arrived on the island and swum ashore to find they have really basic accommodation and no beds.

"Everything is about survival. It's punishing but not impossible."

Check out Erica's Castaway audition on www.bbc.co.uk/castaway