Denise (left) and Jane shared a role at the Coliseum

Former checkout operator Jane Gilchrist, 37, from Chipping Sodbury, was given a standing ovation after sharing the role of Gilda in an English National Opera production of Verdi's Rigoletto.

She shared the role with Denise Leigh, 31, the co-winner of the Channel 4 talent show "Operatunity".

Mrs Gilchrist, a mother of four originally from Clevedon in Somerset, said she was "floating on air" after the performance on Saturday night.

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"I was totally in awe of it. It was a fantastic reception and thank you very much to the audience.

"It was the best thing in the world."

She began singing at 14 after her voice was spotted at school by a teacher who sang in the Clevedon Gilbert and Sullivan Society.

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