Stars set for televised services

RICHARD BALLS

24 November 2005 07:00

A special service at Norwich Cathedral to be shown on television on Christmas Eve will now feature 1980s' pop sensation Rick Astley.

The star turned classical singer will join tenor Jon Christos to replace Russell Watson at the service.

And the historic city landmark is to host another televised event involving peace campaigners such as veteran Bruce Kent.

The Christmas service, which is being filmed on Tuesday, will feature appearances by classical singers Katherine Jenkins and Hayley Westenra as well as Mr Cristos and Mr Astley.

Music will feature the choirboys of Norwich Cathedral.

The service will be led by the Rt Rev Graham James, Bishop of Norwich, and the Very Rev Graham Smith, Dean of Norwich.

The Peace Service will be held next Wednesday and is also being recorded for ITV1's Act of Worship programme.

The Dean said: "We are very thrilled that Granada has chosen Norwich for these two important services.

"Due to extra filming equipment being required we have not been able to fill the cathedral to capacity numbers. This has meant that sadly we could not accommodate everyone who wanted a ticket for the Christmas Eve recording.

"We hope that people will value the importance of the Peace Service, and tickets are still available for this."

Samantha Paul, producer of ITV1's Act of Worship, said: "We felt it was time to spotlight a different area of the country for these recordings and we chose Norwich as it has a beautiful cathedral."