SHE first won the nation’s hearts with her gripping performance as Zoe Slater in EastEnders.

Then she beat a host of Hollywood names to play the title role in the re-imagining of cult US TV show The Bionic Woman in 2007.

Now Michelle Ryan’s latest project brings her to Southampton’s Mayflower theatre when she takes to the stage in the double Olivier award-winning production of Cabaret this autumn.

The popular actress – whose TV credits also include Mansfield Park, Jekyll, Miss Marple, Merlin and Doctor Who – will star alongside singer Will Young.

The production will open at The Mayflower Theatre on September 3 for a week, prior to a West End run.