THE Bodyguard has struck casting gold since it became a hit in the West End, with praise heaped upon pop star Beverly Knight and Broadway star Heather Hedley playing the role of hunted superstar Rachel Marron.

So former X Factor winner Alexandra Burke had a lot to live up to when she took over the role for a short spell in the West End and was then announced as the lead for the musical’s UK and Ireland tour.

Fully eased into her first stage role, she delivers what can only be described as a world class performance.

With every note you can feel Burke digging deep to make the audience feel at first the all-conquering arrogance of Rachel Marron then the ensuing vulnerability as her life crumbles around her and she finds herself backed into a corner by a deranged stalker.

Burke’s performance of I Have Nothing, beginning as a comic crowd scene at a karaoke bar then pared down into a spotlight with her singing to her newly-appointed bodyguard Frank Farmer (Stuart Reid) was spine-tingling.

The light and shade she brought into I Will Always Love You, especially its acapella beginning sung with precision timing, gave the song an extra dimension.

It led to a rapturous standing ovation from a full house at the Mayflower.

Mention should be made of Stuart Reid in the Kevin Costner role who brought swagger to the stage but a warming timidity as he bonded with Marron’s son Fletcher.

The sets used in this production wowed in all the right places with The Queen of the Night opener suitably startling and glitzy and no expense spared for the log cabin scene as Marron takes her family into hiding (think fully furnished retreat complete with roaring fire).

Any doubt that a TV talent show winner would fall short as a leading lady ebbs away completely with Burke in the role.

Her acting is full of humanity, the American accent is on point and her voice is right up there to the standard of Houston’s at her peak.

She is a shining star who brings those lump-in-the-throat moments to the show, making it as moving as theatre gets.

JOANNA DAVIS