BGT star Jean's key role in TV marathon

The people's favourite, who rose to fame in 2011's Britain's Got Talent, is to appear alongside presenter Philip Schofield when he embarks on a 24-hour broadcasting marathon to kickstart the annual charity event.

The former Cannock teacher has been tasked with keeping the celebrity awake with her cheerful organ-playing and infectious personality.

She was originally booked to make a fleeting appearance, but has now been asked to stay with the presenter from 11am on December 1 when he begins his This Morning stint to 11am the following day.

Jean says she plans to stock up on Red Bull and coffee to keep herself awake as she will be travelling to London straight after playing at the Brewood Christmas lights switch-on the night before.

Text Santa hosts And and Dec have also invited her on to the main show on December 19. For Jean, it will be a reunion with the Britain's Got Talent presenters.

It is the latest in a string of high-profile events she has been asked to get involved in after a year-long 'lull' in her career.

She has just recorded an album of her favourite Christmas songs which is released on December 16, and is soon to embark on a cruise ship tour.

She said: "I can't believe what's happened to me since the show.

"There's been a bit of a lull this last year but suddenly in the last three weeks, the phone hasn't stopped ringing. I'm really excited about Text Santa.

"Initially I was asked to fill the 2am to 3am slot during Philip's 24-hour marathon. But when the producer saw what I'd done he wanted me to cover the whole 24 hours.

"It's lovely that Ant and Dec want me with them again. We got on famously when introducing me on Britain's Got Talent."

Despite her busy schedule, Jean found time last month to wed her long-term partner Bob Ware in front of 200 guests at St Andrew's Church in Weston-under-Lizard.

She was given away by her 95-year-old father, Bert, after son Scott walked her up the aisle. Celebrity chef Rustie Lee supplied the wedding cake. She added: "That was obviously the highlight of my year."

Jean who lost a stone in weight for her big day and is sporting a slinky new look. The pair are busy redecorating their new bungalow in Brewood.

To round off a sensational month, the TV treasure is celebrating becoming a grandmother for the third time after her first grandson was born this week.

"I couldn't be happier," she said.