WHEN Dionne Rose began working as a lookalike for Michelle Obama, she was reluctant to put herself in the limelight.

But now the 44-year-old's new career is going from strength to strength.

Dionne, from Bobbers Mill, featured in the Evening Post after friends, colleagues and strangers pointed out her obvious likeness to the First Lady of the USA.

Since then, she has appeared on television and radio in Nottingham and across the UK.

Now signed up to three lookalike agencies, mother-of-two Dionne is making regular appearances at public events.

She was recently on stage at the Derby Carnival and will be opening a major health and beauty show at the Gateway Hotel in Nuthall later this year.

She also features in a video on YouTube and has been appearing on websites dedicated to Barack Obama's wife, including www.thisismichelleobama.com.

Dionne, who works as a compliance officer for the civil service, has been the subject of discussion on the site about how much she resembles Mrs Obama.

"That was a shock when I first discovered it but it's great publicity for any lookalike", she said.

"I am getting recognised by strangers more and more. People take photographs of me on their mobile phones.

"Things have gone from strength to strength. I was a bit nervous at first but I'm fine now more things are happening."

Dionne recently enjoyed VIP treatment when she was given a personal shopper to select outfits for a photo shoot at John Lewis. The company is now set to feature Dionne in their internal magazine.

Cosmetics company Mary Kay provided make up for the shoot and told Dionne they would send her photographs to their US headquarters.

"I can't believe how it's taken off. My daughters love it. A few people have said to me I should be waiting for an invitation to the White House."

Like Mrs Obama, Dionne spent time mentoring university students, both women have two daughters and both say exercise is their favourite hobby – although Dionne prefers salsa dancing to the early morning runs enjoyed by the president's wife.

kate.skelton@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk