Caprice not just paying lip service

Model turned stage star Caprice today hit back at rumours casting doubt on her vocal abilities, insisting she does not mime in West End show Rent.

The Californian performer declared that she was singing every night and told her critics: "Take me or leave me."

Numerous messages have been left on discussion web sites by stage show fans which claim she is merely pretending.

Caprice, who had a short-lived chart career with two singles which both reached number 24, opened in the show earlier this month.

Internet gossips say she has recorded the vocals for at least one song, a duet called Take Me Or Leave Me. But Caprice said: "Of course I'm not miming. Come and see for yourself and as the song says 'take me or leave me."'

Her spokeswoman added: "To mime in a musical like Rent wouldn't work. It is too high speed and there is a live band on stage.

"It is a tough musical and you have to be up to the job. She is certainly up to the job. She underwent two weeks of intensive singing lessons to prepare her for the role and she has made no secret of that."

She said the producers of the show at London's Prince Of Wales Theatre were well respected and would not risk their reputations on someone who was not up to par.