Keedie dubbed the 'new' Charlotte Church

Keedie, the singer who came to fame duetting a track from an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, has signed a seven-figure classical music deal.

Keedie has been dubbed the new Charlotte Church since duetting with Blue's Duncan James on the Woman in White theme tune, I Believe My Heart.

Record industry chiefs believe the 22-year-old Wolverhampton-born singer could take classical music to a younger audience. Classical and jazz stars such as Jamie Cullum and Hayley Westenra have stormed the charts, and the trend is set to continue with the likes of Il Divo, Simon Cowell's opera band. Now Keedie has signed a multiple album deal with EMI.

The star, christened Keedie because her father is a fan of Kiki Dee, has said: "My first memory is singing along to Maria Callas on the television. I was 3 years old. I've no idea why, but singing has always come completely naturally to me."