THE fate of Bolton's Sammy Winward on a TV talent show, has been left in the hands of the public.

The 20-year-old actress was one of ten of the nation's favourite soap stars to take part in Soapstar Superstar which was launched on Friday night on ITV1.

But despite wowing judges, including television presenter Cilla Black, with her rendition of Womack and Womack's smash hit Teardrops, she failed to strike the right chord with viewers.

Sammy - who plays heartbreaker Katie Sugden in the ITV soap, Emmerdale - is now fighting for viewers' votes against soap rival Wendi Peters also known as Coronation Street's Cilla.

She will discover at the beginning of Saturday night's show whether she will progress and the Bolton Evening News is urging readers to show their support by picking up the phone and voting.

Judges Cilla, and music show producer, Chris Cowey, both thought the new mum would go far in the contest.

But viewers seemed to share the sentiments of music producer, Billy Sammeth, who said: "I think you were really nervous. I was not impressed I did not feel the magic, but I'm sure you are the best mum in the world."

Katie, dressed in skinny jeans showing off her regained figure after giving birth to her daughter Mia last year, admitted she was nervous.

Speaking before her appearance, the former Turton High School pupil, who is currently on maternity leave, said: "It is quite hard to practise at home. The only person I will sing in front is Mia."

She added that if voted off, she would have only herself to blame saying: "It depends on how you perform on the night."

If Sammy wins the viewers' vote, she will perform Cindy Lauper's Time after Time.

Performing alongside Sammy was fellow Boltonian Andy Whyment, who plays Kirk Sutherland in Coronation Street. Other contestants include Eastenders star, Nicholas Bailey (Dr Antony Trueman), Hollyoaks' Lee Otway (Bombhead) and Sammy's co-star Roxanne Pallett (Jo Stiles).

The winner will receive a cash prize to be donated to a charity of their choice. Sammy's charity will be Ikamva Labantu - a South African organisation that manages more than 1,000 community-based projects.

Call 09011 314007 or text Sammy to 63334 to support Sammy.