A girl to take the leading part (5)

I believe the answer is:

ethel

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'a girl' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'take the leading part' is the wordplay.
'ETHEL' is hidden in amongst the letters.
However, I am unsure how the hidden word is indicated.

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ethel that I've seen before include "girl" , "- Barrymore, actress" , "Lady" , "Perhaps a Barrymore" , "woman" .)

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