A cloakroom girl wowed opera critics after she stood in for a soprano taken ill at the world famous Wigmore Hall. Milly Forrest, a 23-year-old usher who regularly works evenings at Britain’s leading chamber music venue, has been touted as a future star after she took to the stage last-minute.

Performing ensemble works by Franz Schubert and Ralph Vaughan Williams, Ms Forest enthralled the audience with her “exquisite performance”.

Her surprise promotion later earned rave reviews in the media, with one national newspaper critic describing her as “breathtaking” - with a voice that “floated heavenwards”.

Posting messages of support after the recital, an audience member added: “Milly Forrest did a splendid job, and I don’t just mean a splendid job under the circumstances.”

Ms Forrest was asked to step up by Wigmore Hall’s artistic director, John Gilhooly, who said he had heard “good vibes” about her singing abilities.