Issy’s set to shine - by teaching Eastenders star to strum

The 14-year-old will show off her singer-songwriter talents when she takes part in the live prime-time show Born to Shine with her celebrity partner, actress Tracy Ann Oberman – famous for her role in Eastenders as the second wife of Dirty Den, who finally killed him off.

Issy, who lives in Leamington and attends King’s High School in Warwick, grew up near Southam where her love of singing led to her taking lessons from the age of six.

But she was never taught guitar - she’s picked that up all on her own along with a talent for writing quirky songs like Jam on Toast.

Viewers of ITV1 will be able to tune at 8pm on July 31 and watch clips of Issy - full name Isabel - teaching the Eastenders’ actress how to strum and pick in aid of raising money for Children In Need.

Under Issy’s watchful eye, Oberman will then have to perform her newly-learnt skill at folk guitar ‘live’ before a panel of celebrity judges.

Earlier this year the Leamington teenager had entered a national Open Mic competition and reached the finals at the O2 Arena. It was only when television producers spotted her performance on YouTube that they decided to try to track her down. They were successful thanks to Issy’s regular appearances at the “Glee Night” held every month for young people at the Newbold Comyn Arms in Leamington.

Issy, who says her own musical influences include Bob Dylan and Laura Marling, most enjoys writing her own music although she was asked to teach Oberman a well-known song.

Of her coaching sessions with the actress she is not allowed to say too much as the programme has to be kept secret until the day. But Issy said: “She’s been so nice to me - now I’m really looking forward to the live show. It makes me feel confident when I’m performing if I can see that people are enjoying it.”

Issy’s parents, Steve and Jodi Ferris, admit they don’t know where their daugther gets her talent. Steve said: “Viewers will be raising money for Save the Children by ringing in with their vote on which celebrity was best on the night.”