THE transition from pop star to actor can be a tough one, as Gareth Gates can tell you.

But for another reality TV pop star, the struggle has paid off.

Suzanne Shaw shot to fame as a member of Hear’Say, but the band split after just two years, citing record company pressure and losing the hearts of the British public as the reason.

And while the boys faded into obscurity and band member Myleene Klass was busy establishing herself as a national treasure, Suzanne was quietly building up a genuine career on stage.

Using the singing talent that had won her a place in the band on Popstars, Suzanne turned her attention to musical theatre.

But she found that people were unable to shake off the image of her as a perky pop star, rather than as an actress.

And then, almost overnight, everything changed when she was offered the role of Roxie in a West End production of Cabaret. Her performance received standing ovations, her initial six-week contract was extended due to popular demand and her reputation was made.

“Cabaret was definitely the turning point,” says Suzanne, looking demure and surprisingly tiny at the launch of her next project, White Christmas. “I had spent eight years since Hear’Say trying to convince people that I was a proper actress and all of a sudden I was accepted.

“I think whatever you do if you want to change direction there are people who won’t be able to see through what you were doing before. It took me a long time to prove myself.”

Suzanne plays Judy in the stage adaptation of the classic film, which originally starred Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney. Opening on November 27 at The Lowry, Salford Quays, the award-winning show will run until January 9, after which Suzanne will take a well deserved break to spend time with her husband and son.

The Bury-born actress, who was celebrating her 28th birthday on the day of the launch, admitted that she had a short attention span, and that moving from production to production suited her perfectly.

“It’s so exciting,” she says. “I love that I have the opportunity to constantly change my job. I get bored quite easily, so doing something new every three to six months is brilliant.”

And for anyone who hopes to follow in Suzanne’s steps she has some very simple advice.

“When you’re young you can get very caught up in all the pressure of trying to make it, and while it’s good to be focused it’s important to have fun as well. You don’t want to waste your youth.”

White Christmas opens at The Lowry, Salford Quays, on November 27. For more information, or to book tickets, visit thelowry.com or ring 0870 787 5780.