A CHILDHOOD dream will come true for Pop Idol finalist Jessica Garlick this Saturday when she performs as the UK's Eurovision Song Contest entry.

Jessica, best known as one of the top 10 Pop Idol finalists will be on stage in front of millions of television viewers when she belts out the ballad Come Back.

For Jessica, who until recently lived in Pembridge, near Leominster, Eurovision is a dream come true, for not only did her mum tell her as a child she'd be representing England but she has entered the Song For Europe contest twice before.

"One was with a song that the S Club Juniors have recorded - it's called All Together and it made the final 20 in Song For Europe two or three years ago," says Jessica.

"I did one before that too, so it's always been an ambition of mine.

"I've always been a fan. I used to sit and watch it as a child with my mum and she'd always say, 'One day you'll be representing Britain' and, wow, it came true."

Jessica, whose single Come Back entered the charts at number 13, last Sunday, will be taking part in the contest in Tallinn, Estonia.

The 21-year-old, who won the Welsh final of BBC talent show Star For A Night and appeared on Michael Barrymore's My Kind of Music at the age of 16, has just finished a sell-out tour with Will Young, Gareth Gates and other Top 10 Pop Idol finalists.

Pop Idol's The Big Band Album (on which Jessica performs Ev'ry Time You Go Away) went straight to No.1.

"The tour was brilliant, the best experience ever," she says.

"Just performing in front of that many people has prepared me for the Eurovision, and, hopefully, the European crowd will be just as good.

"I've also had the experience of live voting, which will really help - and at least there is no couch of cruelty in Eurovision!"

Jessica says she can go for advice from Pop Idol winner Will Young about anything.

"He's so wise and sensible and just a really nice guy to talk to," she says.

"Whenever I'm feeling down he's there and whenever I'm feeling good he's there too.

"He's just reminded me to keep it fresh and don't push myself too far."

Jessica is no stranger to the world of singing.

Before she auditioned for Pop Idol she had a career singing live in clubs every weekend, leaving weekdays free for auditions.

Welsh-born Jessica still has her feet firmly on the ground and, if she doesn't win Eurovision, she'll still pursue her dream of performing.

"I'd be disappointed, of course, but it wouldn't change the way I feel about music," she says.

"You've just got to think that it's opinions and, as long as you believe in yourself that's the best thing."

As ever, Terry Wogan will be presenting coverage of the 47th Eurovision Song Contest tomorrow on BBC One at 8pm.

Coverage of the contest will also take place on BBC Radio 2.

"I think Jessica has a very good chance of winning," says Terry. "She's a very charming girl, she sings well and she was on Pop Idol.

"The song is probably the strongest we've had for a while, but it all depends on whether they go for a Boom Bang-A-Bang or a ballad."