A WINCHESTER doctor has been named Britain’s female karaoke champion – and is now heading to Sweden to fight for the world crooner’s crown.

Samantha Frith, of Bereweeke Road, Weeke, wowed judges at the UK karaoke final with renditions of Emili Sandé’s Clown and At Last by Etta James.

Before now the 27-year-old, who is training to become a GP, only found time in her hectic schedule to do the occasional gig or friend’s wedding.

She said: “Singing has always been a passion of mine but I’ve not thought it could be a career.

I’ve always wanted to be a doctor, so singing took a back seat.”

But in her final year of training she has found enough time to pursue both of her loves.

Ms Frith describes her sound as pop-meets-soul and takes inspiration from divas like Sandé and Adele.

She said: “I’m five ft two ins and very small – people don’t expect that to come out of my mouth. I’m a diva in singing, but not in life.

“When people think about karaoke they think of someone getting up there who can’t sing, who might be a bit drunk, and they’re not that competent. But actually, this is a singing competition.

There is a lot of talent from the other countries.

She added: “It’s a bit of a laugh though, really.”

Ms Frith will represent Britain alongside male champion Darren Spence at the Karaoke World Championships in Stockholm, which start on November 13. A record 36 countries are taking part.

“I’m really looking forward to it, but I’m a bit nervous,” she said. “I think I’ve got as good a chance as anyone.”