AS a starstruck 15-year-old Claire Sweeney lusted after Patrick Swayze in the hit '80s film Dirty Dancing.
"Of course I did... didn't everybody?" she giggles.
But even she never dreamed that one day she would be working with the star of the film which introduced everyone to the dance moves of the morenge and immortalised the line 'Nobody puts Baby in a corner'.
"It was such a wonderful film because it captured an era. I grew up watching Dirty Dancing," says Claire who is about to star with Patrick in the West End production of Guys and Dolls.
"The dumpy little Jewish girl gets the stud, Johnny Castle. It gave us all hope and was a fantasy for all teenagers.
"But if you'd have told me then I would one day be working with Patrick Swayze I wouldn't have believed it.
"I was a little overwhelmed at the thought of it I have to admit. Even now the 'phone goes and the name Patrick comes up and it's, like, 'ooerr'."
But she says: "We get on really well and Patrick is not at all starry or affected. In fact, he's very down to earth and really charming.
"When we're rehearsing," adds Claire who has been preparing to take over the role of Miss Adelaide on July 10 for the last month, "you just get on with it, it's a job. But it's a joy to work with Patrick which makes life so much easier."
And former Brookie star Claire, 34, can't wait to Rock the Boat.
