THE Daily Mail hailed it “The runaway gold-plated musical hit” and the Sunday Mirror called it “The hottest ticket in town!”

And now the award-winning, smash-hit West End musical The Bodyguard, based on the blockbuster film, is launching its UK tour in Southampton this week!

A massive coup for Mayflower Theatre, it runs for just 20 performances from next Thursday until Saturday, February 28, and stars three-times Brit nominee and X Factor winner Alexandra Burke.

Following her sell-out West End run she is taking the leading role of Rachel Marron throughout the UK and Ireland tour.

Alexandra Burke said “I couldn’t be happier to be joining the tour and I’m excited to get started.

"Being on the theatre stage has brought me great happiness.

"It is an honour to have been asked to join the team and I look forward to creating new and long-lasting memories with the cast.”

Alexandra Burke rose to fame after winning the fifth series of the X Factor.

Her debut number one single Hallelujah sold over one million copies in the UK, a first for a British female soloist.

Alexandra Burke will perform the role of Rachel Marron at all evening performances.

At the matinee performances, the role of Rachel will be played by Zoe Birkett.

Zoe Birkett is probably best known as the highest placing female contestant in ITV’s Pop Idol, 2002.

Since then she has appeared in the West End productions of Priscilla Queen of the Desert and originated the female lead in Thriller Live.