I JUST can't believe it, this is so unexpected.

Okay, I'd like to thank my mother and father, my sisters and all my family.

I'd like to thank my friends and manager for all their support, honestly this is truly so unexpected.

I'd like to thank whoever invented those industrial Bridget Jones style hold me in pants that prevented my Christmas dinner tummy from bursting out of my costume on Boxing Day and finally I'd like to thank Walt Disney and little Ariel for all my mermaid training and teaching me that I really can be ‘Part of that World.’

Sorry I'm just practicing my acceptance speech for when I win my Panto Oscar, as let's face it, that's clearly my next stop because you're now looking at the winner of Leading Female in a UK Pantomime as voted for by the UK Panto Fan Awards 2016, oh yes I am.

To say I’m shocked and thrilled would be an understatement.

I had the most incredible time playing Mini the Magical Mermaid in Peter Pan and I genuinely can't thank everyone enough who took the time and effort to vote for me.

As a result though, I've been swanning around the Vagina Monologues rehearsal room like Meryl Streep this week.

I'm telling you, my wonderful director Liam Dolan deserves his very own award for putting up with me. I jest of course, as rehearsals are going great with the lovely and very talented May Miller and Cat Harvey.

Those lucky enough to have a ticket to one of our six sold out shows are in for a real treat I promise you. It's a roller coaster ride of emotions but you’ll love every minute of it.

I'm also delighted to say that I've been asked to come on board as one of the faces supporting the new Scottish Government's campaign, Read, Write, Count, which encourages families to visit their local libraries and make use of the valuable services they offer.

When I was approached about getting involved I simply jumped at the chance as my local library was so very important to me growing up and as a child I would spend so much time in there.

I was plain and simply a little bookworm when I was a young girl.

I remember being utterly submerged and transported to another world when I read my favourite books.

I remember once having to wait three whole weeks for Enid Blyton's The Enchanted Wood to be returned to Baillieston Library and when I finally got my hands on it I ran as fast as my little legs would carry me home to start reading it.

I know in this day and age we’re all obsessed with our phones and the Internet, no one is more guilty of that than I, but I just think the library is just such a special place for young children.

It's a place where their imaginations can run wild as they hear and read stories of thrilling adventure in far off magical lands and also a place to explore and discover new interests.

In celebration of ‘Love Your Library’ and National Libraries Day I’ll be hosting an exclusive reading of some of my favourite children’s books at 2pm on Saturday February 6 at Wester Hailes Library in Edinburgh.

Families are invited to drop into the free story time session where I promise to give an award winning performance of The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson (okay I promise that is my final ‘award’ reference but come on, you'd milk it a little to - right).

The Scottish Government has allocated £198,000 of funding to support partnership work in libraries. Read, Write, Count offers information on how you can bring fun and learning into everyday activities with your child to help them shine.

Whether that be a visit to the local library, going to the shops, travelling to school or at mealtimes, Read, Write, Count has a wealth of ideas that will help children do their best at school.

Visit www.readwritecount.scot or join Read, Write, Count on Twitter and Facebook for great tips, activities and ideas.

I'd like to say Happy Birthday to my dear friend and reining Queen of Glasgow May Miller.

May, you are one my my dearest friends in the world and if I’m lucky enough to have even half the incredible stories you tell when I get to your age I'll be truly blessed indeed.

I hope you get spoiled rotten and have a wonderful day, xxx