Vicky Inaya Westerman, 28, is one of six women who will appear in Make Me a Muslim, which is to be broadcast on BBC Three next week.

Vicky, who works at the BT call centre at St James’ Square in Accrington, decided to convert to Islam five years ago.

Vicky said her decision was one that had been in her heart and mind for several years.

She said: “I was brought up as a Christian but I never connected with the religion.

“I started to study different religions as a teenager including Islam.

“I was going through a difficult time in my life in my late teens and early 20s and found nothing that could help me.

“Shortly after I met a friend who hadn’t been in my life for some time who came back into it and she talked to me about how Islam had changed her life. I believe she came back into my life for this purpose.”

Vicky, who lives in Helmshore, converted in 2008 and said the support she had from family and friends has been overwhelming.

She said: “My family and friends have been incredibly supportive.

“When I visit my mum she will cook meals that accommodate my religion.

“People assume I have done this for a guy but it was completely for myself.

“I would never have made this decision for a man.”

Vicky also wears a hijab.

She added: “I started wearing it two years after I converted. It made sense to me and the way I practise my faith.”

The television show will include Vicky with some of her co-workers at the call centre at Accrington.

Vicky said: “It was very exciting to be part of this programme, but a bit nerve-racking too as I’d never done anything like this before.

“Since joining BT, it’s become so much easier for me to get closer to Islam because there’s a multi-faith prayer room and other facilities that anyone based here can use.”

Make Me a Muslim airs on Wednesday, January 30, at 9pm on BBC 3. Vicky and her friends also run a website for people who have recently converted to Islam at http://newmuslimslancashire.co.uk.