Pop Idol Michelle's Fringe show

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Pop Idol winner Michelle McManus is to appear in a disco version of the nativity story, which will premiere at Edinburgh's Fringe Festival.

The Scots singer will play Mary in Discotivity, which sees the story of the birth of Jesus transformed into a panto-style disco production.

It will then transfer to London's West End for a Christmas season at the Arts Theatre.

She said: "People may be surprised I've chosen this, but I loved the script."

The 27-year-old added: "And I've always wanted to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe.

"Also, as an aspiring actress, I felt this was a great challenge and would be a lot of fun as well."

The production, which will run at Edinburgh's Gilded Balloon venue, is written by journalist Toby Rose and features music mixed by DJs and producers Luke Hope and Alan X.

McManus, from Glasgow, shot to fame after winning the Pop Idol TV singing contest in 2003 and went on to forge a singing and radio career.