AN X FACTOR winner and two soap stars will take to the stage as musical thriller Chicago returns to Southampton, the Daily Echo can exclusively reveal.

Herself a former prison officer, X Factor 2013’s Sam Bailey will play Mama Morton in the hit musical, set in a US jail. Following her reality TV win, her debut single Skyscraper and debut album The Power of Love both reached number one.

John Partridge, who plays Christian Clarke in EastEnders, is set to appear as Billy Flynn. John’s many musical theatre credits include Rum Tum Tugger in Cats, John in Miss Saigon and Zach in A Chorus Line. He was also a judge on BBC1’s Over the Rainbow, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s search to find a Dorothy for the musical The Wizard of Oz.

Hayley Tamaddon will follow her stint as Andrea Beckett in Coronation Street with an appearance as Roxie Hart. She played Del Dingle in Emmerdale and her numerous theatre credits include The Lady of the Lake in Spamalot and Janet in The Rocky Horror Show. Hayley also won the fifth series of ITV1’s Dancing on Ice.

Based on real life events back in the roaring 1920s, nightclub singer Roxie Hart shoots her lover and along with cell block rival, double-murderess Velma Kelly, they fight to keep from death row with the help of smooth talking lawyer, Billy Flynn.

Created by the musical theatre talents of John Kander (music), Fred Ebb (lyrics) and legendary choreographer Bob Fosse, Chicago’s sexy, sassy score includes All That Jazz and Razzle Dazzle.

With six Tony, two Olivier, one Grammy, two Bafta and six Academy Awards, Chicago embarks on a UK tour in February.

For tickets call 023 8071 1811 or visit mayflower.org.uk

It plays the Mayflower Theatre from March 7 to 12.