A BARRY vocalist is hoping to get a date with 'The Hoff' after auditioning for Britain's Got Talent.

Former civil servant Despoulla Sotirio Rafti-Hill auditioned last year for the show - and is hoping television producers will have put her through to the live Cardiff rounds, which take place later this month.

If selected, she would attempt to impress judges Amanda Holden and new colleagues comic Michael McIntyre and David Hasselhof.

Fifty-three-year-old Despoulla, an access course student at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCDM), was inspired by Britain’s Got Talent singing sensation Susan Boyle.

The Bethesda Community Choir member even took part in Susan's Search - a contest where an undiscovered talent could win the chance to duet with her on her album The Gift - and saw her video get more than 1,000 YouTube hits.

Despoulla, of Cwm Talwg, performed Panis Angelicus at her BGT audition, and said: "It was such a special day.

'"I had my hair coloured and done, I had lipstick on and my jewels."

The former Barry Island Primary and Bryn Hafren pupil added: "This has been my dream since the age of 16.

"My husband (Robert Hill) sat in the car and waited five to six hours for me.

"He's so supportive and said 'this is your chance of a lifetime'.

"I met so many wonderful people and it was lovely just to be there," she added.

"I hope I can get to the next level, but if I don't, I'll apply next year and my voice will have improved."