An actress fresh out of drama college will hit millions of TV screens next year in racy drama Footballers' Wives.

Elaine Glover, a former pupil of Aireville School in Skipton, beat off hundreds of other hopefuls to win the part in the hit ITV series.

The 21-year-old will play an au pair called Katie - looking after Tanya and Conrad's baby - and be involved in a rape story line.

She will appear in at least four of the show's nine episodes, set to be aired in January next year.

After Elaine left school she went on a two-year performing arts BTEC course in Leeds before moving to London's Rose Bruford College where she gained a 2.1 in a BA (Hons) Actor Musicianship.

Elaine, who has more filming to do for the show next month, auditioned for the part at Easter after one of the show's directors spotted her in her final college showcase.

She then demonstrated her talents during four rounds of auditions.

Elaine, who now lives down in London, said: "I never thought I would get it because it was too fantastic to be true. Straight out of drama school, it's a dream come true."

She was thrown into filming only two weeks after finishing college.

This involved shooting scenes around London and also in a £5 million villa in Spain.

Elaine said that she had been star-struck when meeting actress Zoe Lucker, who comes from Huddersfield, and plays her boss Tanya.

"I was in make-up and I heard her voice and she came in and sat down next to me. She was so nice," said Elaine.

Although some of her scenes had been traumatic, she said she had learned so much through the experience.

Elaine, who had to wear a dark wig to get in character, will not be able to see herself on screen until the show is aired next year.

She said that now she had a break from shooting it was finally sinking in that she was going to be on television.

She would love to appear in a West End Musical and has already had a taste of fame by taking part in interviews for magazines such as Cosmopolitan.

Elaine said her family had been delighted for her when she got the role.

"They are just so over the moon and couldn't wish for anything better to happen to me. I know it's what I have wanted to do all my life," she said.

Although her life is now largely based in London, Elaine still managed to come home regularly. Her proud mum, Val, who lives in Thornton Street, Skipton, said she was looking forward to seeing her on screen.

"She has worked very hard and followed her dream," she said.