Fern Britton’s TV appearances these days are normally limited to Countdown’s Dictionary Corner or filling in on The One Show.
But the 64-year-old former This Morning star is planning to step it up a gear in the Christmas special of ITV ’s All Star Musicals. Fern said earlier this year she was in “a period of transition” after splitting with husband Phil Vickery last year, which came soon after her parents’ death.
Mum-of-four Fern will go head to head with five other celebs in the festive show, hosted by John Barrowman.
They will compete for judges Elaine Paige, Samantha Barks (Frozen, Les Miserables) and Trevor Dion Nicholas (Hamilton, Aladdin).
For their performance, each star will be supported by a West End ensemble, and they will receive training from choreographers and vocal coaches.
TV presenter turned author Fern does have some stage experience, having appeared in panto in 1988 as Dandini in Cinderella. She also danced to Singin’ in the Rain for Comic Relief in 2009 and took part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2012.
A second All Star Musicals special will air early next year.
Barrowman said: “We’re back with not one but two helpings of this feel-good and fabulous musical affair.”
Earlier this year, Robert Rinder won, after performing Be Our Guest as Lumiere from Beauty and the Beast.
He was moved to tears by the comments about his performance, with the three judges - Elaine Paige, Trevor Dion Nicholas and Samantha Barks - heaping praise on his rendition of the song.
Samantha told him: "You brought so much joy and I really think you took on the character of Lumière, and I believed you were Lumière. I think you'd be very, very good in the part of Lumière, it was amazing."
To which Rob replied: "I'm moved and touched actually."
Trevor then said to him: "We're moved and touched, we're moved as well. Beautiful."
