When Helen Turner started as a four-year-old at dancing school, little did she know that her dream of becoming a professional performer would one day come true.

Helen, born and raised in Tadcaster, has landed the leading role of Roxie Hart in the hit musical Chicago aboard the Royal Caribbean’s new cruise ship Allure Of The Seas, which is currently in the West Indies.

Helen, who graduated from SLP College in Garforth a year ago, said: “Getting the opportunity to do this amazing role so soon – I just feel blessed.

“It’s a dream come true and I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for my amazingly supportive family and all the great experiences I got back in Tadcaster, from the wonderful teachers in school to the dance classes. Chicago has played to audiences practically everywhere on land, but it is the first time it has been on the high seas and it’s so exciting.

“Not only do I get to perform in Chicago several times a week, but I am also playing the part of Roxie Hart, the role which was made famous by Renee Zellweger in the film.”

Her father, Mike, said Helen, who turned down a place at Cambridge University to pursue her dream, had put a lot of work into polishing her talent.

Helen started her career in dancing with the Angela Hall Dancing Academy, but has also had training from Mary Batt (Bramham School of Dance), Northern Contemporary and NAPA. It was at Riverside Community Primary School, Tadcaster, that Helen became smitten with performing, playing Frederick in the Pirates of Penzance aged 11.

Her mother, Katy, said: “Helen just loves being on the stage – it’s her life and that’s all she wants to do at the moment. She has been so focused. Ever since she was about 14 she knew what she wanted to do.”

Claire Duckworth, subject leader of performance at Tadcaster Grammar School, said as a pupil Helen was always focused and went beyond what was necessary.

She said: “She was a real team player, an all-rounder, had a brilliant singing voice and was really creative.”

Being in the spotlight as Roxie is not all plain sailing, as there are rigorous rehearsals and two shows in the evening.

But Helen does get free time to explore. She said: “We go to three different islands every week. When we stop at these islands and if I am not working, I will get off the cruise ship and visit the local sights, go to the beach, swim in the sea or go to the shops.”