STARRY-EYED Annie Sheppard from Saunderton has made it into the final of the hit TV show Stars in Their Eyes.

But the last two weeks have been an emotional rollercoaster ride for Annie. As the 39-year-old mother of two prepared for the biggest night of her life, she was made redundant from her job.

Her 11-year service as a database administrator for a company in High Wycombe is now over but Annie's enthusiasm hasn't been dampened. Her thoughts are solely on being The Seekers singer Judith Durham.

Annie says: "Yes, it was a bit of a shock but the company sent me some flowers to wish me well for the final, so that was nice.

"It's not going to stop me enjoying the final because everyone has been very supportive and the show has given me a great opportunity.

"The timing could have been better but I'll probably continue to sing after the show and try to do some tribute work or that kind of thing."

Annie has been a fan of Judith Durham for years but never really thought about actually becoming her idol until she sang at a friend's wedding anniversary.

"When I was young her music was being played in most places but especially at my aunt and uncle's home when I visited. I just loved it.

"I never really thought about going on Stars in Their Eyes until I sang at my friend's wedding anniversary. Somebody also told me I looked like her, so I thought why not?"

Annie is a big fan of the show and has tried to get on it before as Celine Dion and Patsy Kline.

"Whenever I've applied before it's usually been someone most people knew and that didn't get me very far.

"But Judith probably isn't as well known but everybody seems to know her songs. It brings back memories for them."

Annie's friends in The Golden Cross pub in Saunderton, have also done their bit. Without telling her, they sent a postcard to the real Judith Durham, in Australia, and told her what Annie was up to.

Annie was delighted when she had a surprise response from Judith.

"Judith sent me a signed photograph and it was great to know that she approved of what I was doing," says Annie.

One of the most appealing aspects of Stars in Their Eyes is how the make-up teams can make the contestants look almost exactly like their idols.

" We do spend a lot of time in make-up. The transformation is just wonderful. When you step out onto the stage the feeling is just amazing. It's very nerve-wracking but the adrenaline and excitement just carry you through. Matthew Kelly is really calm and keeps us all nice and relaxed."

Annie won through to tomorrow's final after winning her heat and she'll be up against performers imitating idols including David Bowie, Kylie Minogue, Bob Marley and Dusty Springfield.

Annie will be singing The Seekers timeless classic Georgie Girl.

"I'm really excited to be on the show and just happy to be here, really. It's great that people get to sing on national TV because I don't think ordinary people get that opportunity any more.

"That's why I think the show is so successful. It gives anyone the opportunity to become whoever they want to be and it's also brings those artists into people's homes who might otherwise have been forgotten."

Annie will also be getting plenty of support from husband David and her two sons seven-year-old Sam and four-year-old Matthew.

A big marquee has also been set up at the Golden Cross pub to cheer on their local talent.

"I couldn't have had more support. My son has spread the word around school playgrounds and the Golden Cross has done everything else. They've got everyone excited."

The Star in Their Eyes Live Final is on ITV Saturday July 14at 7.30pm .