The transition from soap star to pop star is a well-trodden path. Weve seen actors like the Minogues and Delta Goodrem score huge hits, but at the same time weve watched Holly Valance, Jennifer Ellison and Adam Rickett flop at pop. And now theres a new celeb to add to the long list of wannabes Corrie star Nikki Sanderson.

Nikki, who plays Candice Stowe in the ITV soap, is thought to have signed a pounds 200,000 deal with record label Universal, home to the likes of Rachel Stevens, The Sugababes and U2.

A pal says, A Kylie-style music career is something Nikki would definitely consider. Shes always wanted to be a singer, but her acting career took off first.

Ever since the 21-year-old blew viewers away performing Britney Spears Oops! I Did It Again on Celebrity Stars In Their Eyes in April, record bosses have been hot on her heels. Now it seems Nikki has said yes to music execs and is set to launch herself into the pop world later this year.

Nikki, whos been acting since the age of 15, has hinted shed like to put out country and western music in the style of LeAnn Rimes. She copied the singer on a Stars In Their Eyes special in 2002 and won. A friend claims, Nikki loved every second of this years Stars In Their Eyes. She never thought anything would come of it and was amazed Universal made the approach.

Nikki returned to the mic recently for ITVs Madonna Mania special, proving to be a huge hit once again. She dazzled audiences with her rendition of Papa Dont Preach and with her amazing pounds 12,000 diamond-studded frock.

The TV beautys planned change of course means her stint as hairdresser Candice on the nations favourite soap could soon be coming to an end, as the star will have to leave Manchester for London, in order to promote her music career. As Nikkis Coronation Street contract is up for renewal in September, it seems as good a time as any to break into the charts.

Although record bosses are reportedly throwing six-figure sums at Nikki, a career switch from TV to music can be a tricky move. Success hasnt always come easy to soap stars. While ex-Neighbours star Kylie has raked in the millions and claimed superstar status, others have failed to even make a dent in the music business, ending up in the bargain bins of HMV.

But Nikki is surely halfway to being a success among her male fans shes not afraid of flashing some flesh for the cameras. But sorry, boys shes a taken woman. Nikki started dating Corrie co- star Danny Young, 18, six months ago after dumping her boyfriend of four years, Jamie Meakin and there are rumours the pair will soon become engaged. Danny gave Nikki a pounds 1,000 ring for her 21st birthday last month, although the pair claim it wasnt an indication of their betrothal. Nikki says, Danny makes me so happy. Hes definitely The One. Ive been dropping hints, and we looked around jewellers at watches and bracelets and some rings. Im not sure if it will be an engagement ring. But I love him to death.

Not one to be kept out of the limelight, Danny, who plays Warren Baldwin, is also planning his own music career as a club DJ after he leaves the soap in July. Perhaps the pair might consider recording a duet together

KYLIE v NIKKI

VITAL STATISTICS

SOAP STAR

BOYFRIENDS

POPWORLD

ON THE SIDE

Kylie Minogue Age: 36. Born: Melbourne, Australia

Appeared as Charlene

in Neighbours from ages of 17-19

Dated her Neighbours

co-star Jason Donovan playing a couple on and off-screen. Linked with celebs such as Prince and Michael Hutchence, now dating French actor Olivier Martinez (right)

Signed up with Stock,

Aitken & Waterman aged 19. Debut single I Should Be So Lucky, went to No 1 for five weeks, selling 800,000 copies. Duetted with then-boyfriend Jason on TOTP. Kylie has released nine solo albums and has had 20 Top 10 hits

Not afraid to flash a bit of

flesh. Launched Love Kylie underwear range in 2003. Has also appeared in 10 films including Moulin Rouge and The Delinquents

Nikki Sanderson

Age: 21. Born: Bury, Manchester

Has appeared as Candice in Coronation Street since age 15

Like Kylie, is dating on-screen love interest Danny Young. Previously dated shop manager Jamie Meakin (below)

Record label Universal

has reportedly offered the 21-year-old a pounds 200,000 deal. Has also sung twice on Stars In Their Eyes and recently on ITVs Madonna Mania. Possible future TOTP appearance with wannabe club DJ Danny, we wonder?

Like Kyles, doesnt shy

away from skimpy outfits. Judging by the number of lad mag shoots Nikkis done, surely a calendar is on the way?

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