Denise Van Outen reveals plans to write a sitcom

Denise Van Outen has been speaking about what she wants to achieve next in her career

Denise Van Outen has revealed she is trying her hand at writing a sitcom.

The singer and actress, 50, from Basildon told BBC Essex it was something she had always wanted to do, having already written West End plays.

"I love comedy and I'm actually starting to write one now with two actor friends of mine," she said.

Van Outen honed her craft at performing arts schools in Essex before going on to present The Big Breakfast on Channel 4 and play Roxie Hart in the musical Chicago.

The actress and singer has also performed a DJ set at the Flackstock festival in Berkshire

"When I was a kid, I pretty much knew I wanted to be in the entertainment industry. I always say I was born with jazz hands," she said.

"I do feel like Essex gave me that platform, I think it is a really great place for performing arts.

"I've just been fortunate enough to do a little bit of everything, even writing, I wrote a play that I had put on in the West End, I'm doing scriptwriting now".

She appeared on Channel Four's Celebrity Gogglebox earlier this year alongside presenter Johnny Vaughan and is also the voice of ITVX's The Only Way is Essex.

As for her dream of writing a sitcom, she did not reveal details about its plot but insisted getting it on air was not the main priority.

"Even if nothing comes of it, I love the process of it.

"If it doesn't ever air on TV, that doesn't bother me. It's just about enjoying the process and being creative."