Singer Leona Lewis says she is looking to break into the film world after taking a recent role in a new musical romance.

The 29-year-old, who sprung to fame after winning ITV singing competition X Factor in 2006, said she wanted to "wean" her way on to the big screen by working hard at smaller parts.

On Friday, her new film Walking On Sunshine was released. Leona croons her way through some classic Eighties tunes while starring alongside Hannah Arterton, sister of former Bond girl Gemma Arterton.

The east London-born vocalist, who has notched up three No 1 UK singles and a million-pound fortune, told The Sunday Express' S magazine: "I don't want it to be like 'Oh, she's a musician and she's a bit famous so that's why she got the part'.

"I have friends who are actors. They go for millions of auditions and they're having classes all the time, and in no way would I want to take that away from them. I want to do the exact same thing and work really hard at it."

Earlier this month Leona split from Syco Records, which is owned by music mogul and X Factor judge Simon Cowell, and signed up with rival label Island Records.