Nearly a year and a half ago she won the hearts of the British public in How do You Solve a Problem like Maria. 17 months of packed houses and standing ovations later, Pembrokeshire's Connie Fisher is still in top form, bringing a freshness and vibrance to the role of Maria Von Trapp in the West End's Sound of Music.

The Western Telegraph's Becky Hotchin caught up with Connie backstage at the Palladium last week. They chatted about the success of the Sound of Music as well as Connie's plans for the future.

With just over 20 shows left until she says goodbye, farewell, auf wiedersehen, adieu to the show Connie is understandably emotional about leaving the role that made her famous.

" I get emotional just thinking about leaving everybody," she said. "The last performance is on February 23rd. I am excited but sad to let such a fantastic role go.

"It has been a massive part of my life. If I get knocked over by a red bus tomorrow I hope people might remember me as reviving the role of Maria."

Connie said that she still gets nervous before shows and doesn't feel at all stale, despite having played Maria in over 450 performances.

"It's like a dream come true," she said. "I still pinch myself during performances and think 'what am I doing here?'" I have learnt and enormous amount and it has been the most wonderful experience of my life. Although I do hope to top it one day."

Connie's next project sees her leaving the world of musical theatre and making her first foray into the world of television. She will leave one Trapp for another: Caught in a Trap is an ITV film telling the true story of an Elvis obsessed parking metre attendant who steals thousands of pounds to fuel that obsession.

In between the final show and the film Connie plans to release her second album and tour Britain with a series of concerts. She still hopes to squeeze in a visit to Wales though and is looking forward to walking her dog on Newgale and spending time with her mum and nana Dot.

She is relishing the challenge of moving into television.

"It's a different genre and something I've never trained in, she said. "I've been like a sponge for the last year and a half. I'm eager to learn the tricks of the trade after being on the outside looking in."

Until February 23rd she will continue to giver her all to the role of Maria and looks forward to meeting fans from Pembrokeshire at the stage door.

"Every night there has been someone here from Pembrokeshire," she said. "It's been wonderful.

"If I don't see Pembrokeshire people before I finish here I just want to say thanks so much for voting for me.

"I wouldn't be here without them. I've learnt so much. It has been the biggest learning curve of my life. Without them I would probably still be stuck in telesales."