A musical based on DUSTY SPRINGFIELD's life is to hit London's West End next year.

The late singer's rise to fame will be documented in the production, which is being written by Sandi Toksvig after she was contracted by producers Vicki Wickham - who was the former manager of Dusty - and theatre mogul David Ian.

Vicki has admitted she's seen ''numerous really bad'' shows and scripts written about Dusty - who died from breast cancer in 1999 aged 59 - that haven't captured the true colourful life that she led, and she's determined to show a side to the blonde beauty that no one knows about.

She told the Daily Mail newspaper: ''I keep going to these and coming out going, 'Yes, the music's great - but it has nothing to do with Dusty!

''Dusty was extraordinary. Yes, she could drive you mad - all divas do. But there's such a lovely side to her that should, and will, be told.''

The musical - which is still yet to get a director and is currently without a title - will feature Dusty's most famous songs, such as 'Son of a Preacher Man', 'I Only Want to Be with You' and 'Yesterday When I Was Young'.

Vicki has vowed the production will venture into the dark side of Dusty's personality but will end on a high note.

She said: ''I promise you, you'll come out happy and singing.''

Sandi is still working on the script but producers are hoping to give it a reading in the autumn.