As hundreds of fame-seekers queued for hours with the hope of becoming the star of a new movie, Northern Echo reporter Sarah Foster waited in line for her audition…

A queue of 700 girls had formed in the concrete car park of the Tyne Tees TV studios in Newcastle well before 10am.

Most had set their alarms for the crack of dawn while others had travelled from as far afield as London for their chance of a shot at stardom.

Reporter Sarah Foster has enjoyed a little acting experience, and took her place among the hopefuls for a key role in The Other Half, to star opposite Bread star Peter Howitt.

The producers were looking for someone - possibly a complete newcomer - to star as 19-year-old Steph, from South Shields, who goes to Bordeaux to pick grapes when she becomes bored with life in the North-East.

Sarah (below) said: "Despite the long wait and the cold, there was a sense of camaraderie among those of us queuing."

"We laughed, chatted, planned Saturday night out, and furiously fielded mobile phone calls and text messages.

"When we were finally led inside, there were forms to fill out and our pictures were snapped on Polaroids - before more waiting."

But she said the audition - like the excitement itself - was over in a flash.

"You barely shook hands before Mr Howitt and producer Richard Johns told you your time was up, their smiles unwavering.

"They asked me about my brief appearance in Billy Elliot, as listed on my form.

"Unfortunately I had to explain that the scene was cut."

The moment of truth arrived when a production team member turned up to tell the throng who was being recalled. So was it all worth it?

Sarah said: "I started to shake with excitement when the assistant read out the name Sarah.

"But my dreams of stardom were dashed in an instant when it turned out to be a pretty drama graduate and not me.

"I left feeling a bit disappointed but knowing that at least I had tried.

"Well, that's showbusiness, as some of my fellow fame-seekers would find out."

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