JENNIFER Ellison is to open her own fame academy in Liverpool.

The former Brookside babe told the ECHO she wants to nurture talent in her home city – and create a unique centre for budding dancers, performers, singers and models.

Jennifer, who is starring as Cinderella in the Liverpool Empire’s panto, alongside Cilla Black and Les Dennis, will fund the business and is searching for premises.

The theatre star hopes to have The Jennifer Ellison Fame Academy, “where stars are born”, up and running in 2009.

Jennifer, who trained at the Elizabeth Hill School of Dance in St Helens, said: “I am a classically trained dancer and I have won awards like north west, English and world international ballet and modern dance championships.

“I trained with the Royal Ballet School for two years from when I was 13. I want to give young dancers the chance to train right here in Liverpool.

“When I was a kid, a lot of the opportunities were based in London, but now people do not have to go down south to have a successful career in the industry.”

The lads’ mag favourite, who swopped photoshoots for West End roles in Chicago and Boeing Boeing, appeared in the film version of The Phantom Of The Opera and comedy horror film The Cottage.

Jennifer, 25, said: “I have got first-hand experience of being in the industry, so that is something unique I can offer. There are not many academies for people like me who do everything – dancing, acting, singing and modelling – and I do not believe there is anywhere catering for young people who want to do it all in the north west.

“I think some people look down their noses at modelling, but they should not. I wanted to open a new venture, offering training for everything.”

Hell’s Kitchen winner Jennifer, who got engaged to her boyfriend Robbie Tickle in October, said she wants to be hands-on with the academy.

Jennifer, who lives in Cheshire, said: “I am looking for the best location, maybe somewhere near Sefton park.

“I am really excited about it. There will be master classes, baby ballet and the best dance and drama teachers.

“I have loved being in Liverpool for the panto. It is my first panto and was so much more spectacular than I expected, it is like a West End show.

“There is so much talent in Liverpool. Being here over Christmas has made me more determined than ever to open the academy.”

By Tina Miles - January 1st 2009