Girls Aloud are set to feature in a soap opera about the music industry in which the show's main character is based on Cheryl Tweedy's X Factor co-judge Simon Cowell.

The cameo roles are expected to delight some of the group who have previously expressed an interest in carving out acting careers in the future.

The drama series - The Secret World Of Sam King - is to be broadcast on the social networking site Bebo and will be set inside Girl Aloud's music company, Universal Records.

The protagonist is a young boy in the post-room of the company who spots new music talent - akin to Cowell's tentative rise in the music business.

He secretly sets up his own office at the back of a stationery cupboard and manages to turn new bands into the next big thing.

Other artists including Amy Winehouse, Welsh soul star Duffy, Razorlight and The Feeling will reportedly make guest appearances on the show.

www.leetvnews.com