EXHUBERANT mum Karen Gilmour risked everything to create an Italian restaurant - you can see her 11-week roller coaster in Channel 4's Risking It All on September 5.

This former butty van cook has now vowed to become a millionairess - in five years!

"I'm definitely going to make a million," said intrepid Karen, aged 41, of Highfield Road, Widnes who gambled everything with her partner Marcus Johnstone, 41 and their six children to make their dream come true.

"A business analyst from London has told us how to do it. If we work hard and stick to the plan, we will have a million. We're moving to Spain in five years, come hell or high water."

Viewers will be able to watch all the ups and downs of Karen's challenge as she transformed a dilapidated off licence in Widnes Road into an upmarket trattoria, Aroma Italia.

We joined Channel 4's production crew as they captured her nail-biting journey.

"We've re-mortgaged the house, taken out personal loans, credit cards and sold the cars," said Karen, who swapped a plush Mercedes for a 10-year-old Golf.

"We're two ordinary people with a gang of kids. We have sacrificed a lot but we know we've got the concept right."

She is determined to make a new life abroad for her two children, Christopher, aged 17 and Rebekah, aged 12 and her partner, criminal solicitor Marcus, and his kids, Rosanna, aged 15, twins Conor and Kristian, aged 13 and Charlie, aged eight.

This intrepid couple has already started a second business - a year after launching their Italian vision.

They're turning a former chip shop facing Aroma, into a wine bar, serving Mexican and Spanish food.

"We're hoping to have another mad dash and open it for Christmas."

Karen's TV adventure has already been shown in Australia.

"We've received loads of e-mails saying it was absolutely brilliant," said Karen, who isn't allowed to see the documentary until it is screened.

"I was really amazed. I didn't realise they'd be showing it in other countries. It could possibly be shown in China and America. I'm starting to get a bit nervous."

The show will go out on air at 8pm next Tuesday.