Portsmouth dancer to dazzle at Dame Vera Lynn tribute show

But for one lucky woman, this dream is about to become a reality.

Jane Wilde, 46, of Portsmouth, is dancing at the London Palladium as part of a tribute to Vera Lynn.

The extravaganza, which marks the dame’s 100th birthday, takes place tomorrow, with doors opening at 7pm.

There is a star-studded line up for the ‘Forces’ Sweetheart’ tribute, with big names such as Aled Jones, Bradley Walsh and Brian Blessed making appearances.

And as the date the of the night draws closer, Jane admitted the magnitude of the event is a bit daunting.

She said: ‘I am excited but the nerves are starting to set in now.’

Jane is an ex-professional dancer and was in the dance industry until the age of 31.

During this career she appeared on TV and performed on cruise ships.

But she said her biggest claim to fame is the fact that she appeared in two classic James Bond films.

‘I was in The World Is Not Enough and Tomorrow Never Dies,’ she addded. ‘One time I was next to Pierce Brosnan for an entire scene.’

Her love for dancing started at an Irish dancing class in Portsmouth, and Jane is now a member of the Dougie Squires’ Generation Dancers troupe.

She said: ‘I am performing with young generation and second generation dancers. It’s going to be a big party.

‘There are going to be some big celebrities there.’

Her career is somewhat different now, as she manages her own event support agency.

She has been running the Liphook-based Image Hospitality Ltd for more than 14 years, and said she is enjoying the experience.

‘I love it,’ she said. ‘We supply staff for all sorts of events.’

All proceeds from the evening’s celebrations will help to raise funds for the Vera Lynn Children’s Charity.

The charity helps children with cerebral palsy, by supporting them with their development and lifestyle through play and supportive physical techniques.

Jane will be performing in the second half of the show.