Strewth! That’s my mum on TV!

10:52am Wednesday 25th April 2007

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A BONZER Benfleet Sheila has been chosen to appear in the latest Sheila's Wheels TV advert.

Appropriately-named Sheila Glass, 63, was picked from 11,500 Sheila wannabes as one of 30 finalists who'll star in the car insurance firm's latest catchy ad.

Sheila, who works for carers' charity Castle Point Crossroads, was entered into the nationwide Make Me A Sheila Star competition by her daughter, Caroline.

She was concerned her mum had lost her zest for life, following the death of her husband two years ago .

Caroline hoped taking part in the auditions would bring back her mum's smile - and it seems to have done the trick.

Sheila, of Saxonville, Benfleet, said: "My husband died just as he was set to retire and I got pretty down.

"Caroline thought this might give me a boost and it certainly did!

"I couldn't believe it when I was shortlisted and amazed when I was chosen.

"It has been great fun. I enjoyed the whole thing so much and I am feeling very positive about life again."

Caroline, 29, is overjoyed her plan paid off.

She said: "My mother worked as a financial advisor for 15 years and has always had a tremendously positive outlook on life and a happy-go-lucky nature.

"Dad died in April 2005 - she gave up her job to care for him while he was ill. She lost some of her old spark.

"I decided to enter her because whenever the advert comes on, she always sings the Sheila's ad's catchy theme tune - and of course, her name is Sheila.

"I'm absolutely thrilled she was chosen. It's given her a tremendous boost.

"My brother, Paul and I are very proud of her."

Sheila will make her screen debut in the specialist women drivers' insurance firm's next ad, due to be aired for the first time on May 22.

Asia Manzoor of Sheila's Wheels, said: "Sheila's Sheila-factor' shone through at the auditions and at Shepperton Studios during the filming of the new ad in the big pink Sheilamobile."

Judge Chris Bowden, head of marketing for the firm added: "Our adverts have generated a cult following since their launch just 18 months ago.

"We've even had to create a fan site to meet the needs of Sheila obsessives!"