Katherine Jenkins: Home for Christmas

CAR HORN

RADIO: 'If you're heading west, you're probably never going to get past Port Talbot,

'because tonight is a very special show at the Brangwyn Hall.

'Yes, our Katherine Jenkins is coming home for Christmas!

'Boy, hope she doesn't get stuck in traffic!'

I don't think we're going to make it.

'Well, one thing's for sure.

'Her guest star Aled Jones won't be stuck in traffic.

'Why? Because he's always walking in the air!'

Hey! Yeah, I haven't sung that song since I was 12.

Honestly, I hate it that people assume, wherever I go,

that I'm going to sing Walking In The Air, that snowman song.

That's what I love about you. You'd never, ever get me to do it.

Never. No, I would never ask you to do that.

Deflate the snowman. He won't do it.

-What?

-Hide them, quick!

-Yeah, but you...

-No, we're going to have to find something else to...

All right, Kath. Where's my dressing room?

Surprise!

You are kidding me! I thought better of you.

I even hate Christmas.

APPLAUSE

Ladies and gentlemen,

please give a very warm welcome to Katherine Jenkins.

APPLAUSE

# Chestnuts roasting on an open fire

# Jack Frost nipping at your nose

# Yuletide carols being sung by a choir

# And folks dressed up like Eskimos

# Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe

# Help to make the season bright

# Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow

# Will find it hard to sleep tonight

# They know that Santa's on his way

# He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh

# And every mother's child is going to spy

# To see if reindeer really know how to fly

# And so, I'm offering this simple phrase

# To kids from one to ninety-two

# Although it's been said many times, many ways

# Merry Christmas

# Merry Christmas

# To you. #

APPLAUSE

Thank you.

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, it's so lovely to see you.

Welcome to the Brangwyn Hall and to my Christmas show.

Well, because I spend so much time touring and travelling

all around the world, it's always such a joy to be back home in Wales

for Christmas, to see friends and family,

to spring a few surprises,

and to sing some festive songs for you tonight,

so this next song is one of my favourites.

# Ding dong merrily on high

# In heav'n the bells are ringing

# Ding dong verily the sky

# Is riv'n with angel singing

# Gloria

# Hosanna in excelsis

# Gloria

# Hosanna in excelsis

# E'en so here below, below

# Let steeple bells be swungen

# And io, io, io

# By priest and people sungen

# Gloria

# Hosanna in excelsis

# Gloria

# Hosanna in excelsis

# Pray you dutifully prime

# Your matin chime, ye ringers

# May you beautifully rhyme

# Your eve'time song, ye singers

# Gloria

# Hosanna in excelsis

# Gloria

# Hosanna in excelsis. #

APPLAUSE

Christmas is a time for surprises

so I'm on my way to The Noah's Ark Children's Hospital For Wales

to meet a wonderful lady who, I've been told,

deserves a Christmas treat.

Tonight the Children's Hospital in Cardiff are holding

a special celebration ball and I have an extra ticket,

so here I am today to surprise a very special lady called Fran,

who's been through an incredibly difficult 12 months

and I'm hoping she's going to be my plus one.

Last Christmas Fran's daughter Felicity was taken into hospital,

diagnosed with Guillain Barre syndrome.

It's a rare and life-threatening illness

which left the two-year-old locked inside her own body.

Now a year on, with the support of her family and the staff

at the hospital, Felicity is making incredible progress.

Fran has no idea that I'm here to whisk her away

so let's just hope that she accepts my invitation.

Come on, let's go see her.

-Hello.

-Hello.

-Hi, Fran.

-It's Katherine Jenkins!

-Hello, I'm Katherine.

-Hello.

-And this must be Fliss!

-OK.

-Look at you, gorgeous girl.

Well, Fran, I've heard so much about you,

you've been through an incredibly difficult 12 months

and that you've done an amazing job caring for Fliss.

We think that you deserve an extra special Christmas treat.

Tonight I'm going to The Noah's Ark charity ball.

We are going to whisk you away, we've got a car waiting right now.

We're going to get a special dress for you and we're going

to have the whole hair and make-up, glamour ready for the red carpet,

-so I wondered if you would be my plus one?

-Yes, please!

I was so nervous that you'd say no!

The last 12 months for Fran have been really traumatic.

She's been here day in, day out.

She's given up a job to care for Fliss

and she doesn't put herself first, she puts her family first.

So tonight will just be perfect for her.

First stop Cardiff centre to find the perfect dress.

-Try that one.

-Yes. Great.

-Oh!

-I know.

Definitely this colour is lovely on you.

I love the skirt, it feels very chic.

Oh, I love this.

I think that's such a flattering shape.

Well, I think the dress is sorted, shall we get you all glammed up?

Well, that's the frock sorted. Now into hair and make up.

So, Fran, we need to get you looking really glamorous for this evening.

So what we're going to do is we're going to put some beautiful

little curls into your hair and then we'll get you

a nice, glamorous red carpet look.

I don't feel like I deserve all the attention because

if it wasn't for Fliss and my family being so strong

I don't think I could have been so strong.

Gosh, you look amazing. I can't believe...

Your family are just going to be so proud when they see

how gorgeous you look, so are you ready for the red carpet?

-Go.

-Have you done one before?

-No.

-I'll walk you through it.

-Thank you.

And now, with her glad rags on,

it's time for Fran to make her grand entrance.

Greeted by her family and friends at The Noah's Ark Children's Hospital

For Wales, who know what an inspiration she's been.

-How does she look?

-A beauty.

-Doesn't she?

Today has been amazing.

I've been surprised, I never thought I would have a surprise like this,

I never thought I would be pampered like this, never thought

I'd get to meet Katherine Jenkins.

But, yeah, it's been amazing,

I can't even tell you how I feel because I'm still up on cloud nine.

-It's the best Christmas present I could have asked for.

-Yay!

-Oh, I'm so happy.

-Thank you so much. Thank you so much.

I've had the best day with you, so thank you very much. Thank you.

Thank you so much.

APPLAUSE

I'd like to dedicate my next number to all the heroes

at The Children's Hospital Of Wales who help children like Fliss

all year round, so this one's for you and to everybody

who'll be working this Christmas.

# I

# I wish you could swim

# Like the dolphins

# Like dolphins can swim

# Though nothing

# Nothing will keep us together

# We can beat them

# Forever and ever

# We can be heroes

# Just for one day

# I

# I would be queen

# And you

# You will be king

# Though nothing

# Nothing will drive them away

# We can beat them

# Forever and ever

# We could be heroes

# Just for one day

# We can be heroes

# Just for one day

# Guns

# They shot above our heads

# And we kissed

# As though nothing could fail

# And nothing

# Nothing will drive them away

# We can beat them

# For ever and ever

# We can be heroes

# Just for one day

# We can be heroes

# Just for one day

# We can be heroes

# Just for one day

# We can be heroes

# Just for one day

# We can be heroes

# We can be heroes

# Just for one day

# Just for one day

# Just for one day. #

APPLAUSE AND CHEERING

Diolch yn fawr iawn. Thank you very much.

My star guest this evening couldn't get any more Christmassy.

Starting his career at the age of 12,

he's been walking in the air ever since.

He's released 32 albums and performed across the world

at venues ranging from the Vatican to the Hollywood Bowl.

He has sung for the Pope and the Royal family

and now his career hits a peak here in Swansea.

APPLAUSE

Well, it's true!

And tonight, with some Christmas magic, we've got him

in double measures, performing a duet with his younger self,

so, please, could we welcome Aled Jones.

APPLAUSE

CHEERING

-YOUNG ALED:

-# We're walking in the air

# We're floating in the moonlit sky

# The people far below are sleeping as we fly

-BOTH:

-# I'm holding very tight

# I'm riding in the midnight blue

# I'm finding I can fly so high above with you

-YOUNG ALED:

-# Far across the world

# The villages go by like dreams

# The rivers and the hills, the forests and the streams

-BOTH:

-# Children gaze open-mouthed

# Taken by surprise

# Nobody down below

# Believes their eyes

# We're surfing in the air

# We're swimming in the frozen sky

# We're drifting over icy mountains floating by

# Suddenly swooping low

# On an ocean deep

# Rousing up a mighty monster

# From his sleep

# We're walking in the air

# We're dancing in the midnight sky

# And everyone who sees us greets us as we fly

# We're walking in the air

# We're walking in the air

# Walking in the air. #

APPLAUSE

My next number is a traditional Christmas tune,

and joining me to sing it are a Welsh choir that have been crowned

BBC Songs Of Praise Junior Choir Of The Year.

Singing Silent Night,

please welcome the fabulous Llangennech Junior School Choir.

APPLAUSE

# Aah aah

# Aah aah

# Silent night

# Holy night

# All is calm

# All is bright

# Round yon virgin mother and child

# Holy infant so tender and mild

# Sleep in heavenly peace

# Sleep in heavenly peace

# Silent night

# Holy night

# Shepherds quake at the sight

# Glories stream from heaven afar

# Heavenly hosts sing hallelujah

# Christ the Saviour is born

# Christ the Saviour is born

# Silent Night

# Holy Night

# Son of God

# Love's pure light

# Radiant beams from Thy holy face

# With the dawn of redeeming grace

# Jesus Lord at Thy birth

# Jesus Lord at Thy birth

# Aah aah aah aah

# Aah aah aah

-# Silent night

-Silent night

-# Holy night

-Holy night

# All is calm All is bright

# Round yon virgin mother and child

# Holy infant so tender and mild

# Sleep in heavenly peace

# Sleep in heavenly peace

# Sleep in heavenly peace

# Sleep in heavenly

# Peace

# Peace. #

APPLAUSE

Now, whilst home for Christmas I wanted to share this stage

with somebody very special to me, who has performed on some of

the world's biggest stages with me over the past 11 years.

Please give a big, warm welcome to my wonderful pianist, Jane Samuel.

APPLAUSE

# Sleep quietly, my Jesus

# Now close your dear eyes

# Above you shine

# God's countless stars

# Like diamonds in the sky

# Beside your bed, a manger crude

# Where cattle have fed

# Your mother stands in watchful prayer

# And strokes your little head

# The shepherds leave their flocks and come

# They bring you their love

# While angels of our father God

# Rejoice in song above

# From far away the wise men three

# Their treasures do bring

# The whole wide world before you kneels

# My Jesus, little king

# Sleep quietly, my Jesus

# Now close your dear eyes

# Above you shine God's countless stars

# Like diamonds in the sky

# Beside your bed, a manger crude

# Where cattle have fed

# Your mother stands in watchful prayer

# And strokes your little head. #

APPLAUSE

The news is little Aled has gone to bed.

-AUDIENCE:

-Aah!

So you've just got me now.

SOME AUDIENCE CHEER

LAUGHTER

# Away in a manger

# No crib for a bed

# The little Lord Jesus

# Lay down His sweet head

# The stars in the bright sky

# Look down where He lay

# The little Lord Jesus

# Asleep on the hay

# The cattle are lowing

# The baby awakes

# But little Lord Jesus

# No crying He makes

# I love Thee, Lord Jesus

# Look down from the sky

# And stay by my side

# Until morning is nigh

# Be near me, Lord Jesus

# I ask Thee to stay

# Close by me forever

# And love me, I pray

# Bless all the dear children

# In Thy tender care

# And fit us for Heaven

# To live with Thee there. #

APPLAUSE

CHEERING

This time of year there is no-one busier than Father Christmas,

especially if he's checking out MY Christmas list!

# Santa, baby

# Just slip a sable under the tree for me

# Been an awful good girl Santa, baby

# So hurry down the chimney tonight

# Santa, baby

# A '54 convertible too Light blue

# I'll wait up for you, dear

# Santa, baby

# So hurry down the chimney tonight

# Think of all the fun I've missed

# Think of all the fellas that I haven't kissed

# Next year, I could be just as good

# If you check off my Christmas list

# Santa, baby

# I want a yacht and really that's not a lot

# Been an angel all year

# Santa, baby

# So hurry down the chimney tonight

# Santa, baby

# One little thing I really do need The deed

# To a platinum mine

# Santa, baby

# So hurry down the chimney tonight

# Santa, cutie

# And fill my stocking with a duplex and cheques

# Sign your X on the line

# Santa, cutie

# And hurry down the chimney tonight

# Come and trim my Christmas tree

# With some decorations bought at Tiffany's

# I really do believe in you

# So, let's just see if you believe in me

# Santa, baby

# Forgot to mention one little thing A ring

# I don't mean on the phone

# Santa, baby

# So hurry down the chimney tonight

# Hurry down the chimney tonight

# Hurry

# Tonight. #

CHEERING

Can you tell that I enjoy that one a little bit too much?

LAUGHTER

# Quando sono solo sogno all'orizzonte e mancan le parole

# Si, lo so che non c'e luce in una stanza quando manca il sole

# Se non ci sei tu con me, con me

# Su le finestre mostra a tutti il mio cuore che hai acceso

# Chiudi dentro me la luce

# Che hai incontrato per strada

# Time to say goodbye

# Paesi che non ho mai

# Veduto e vissuto con te

# Adesso si, li vivro

# Con te partiro

# Su navi per mari

# Che io lo so

# No, no, non esistono piu

# It's time to say goodbye

# Quando sono solo sogno all'orizzonte e mancan le parole

# E io, si, lo so che sei con me, con me

# Tu, mia luna, tu sei qui con me

# Mio sole, tu sei qui con me

# Con me, con me, con me

# Time to say goodbye

# Paesi che non ho mai

# Veduto e vissuto con me

# Adesso si, li vivro

# Con te partiro

# Su navi per mari

# Che io lo so

# No, no, non esistono piu

# Con te io li rivivro

# Con te partiro

# Su navi per mari

# Che io lo so

# No, no, non esistono piu

# Con te io li rivivro

# Con te partiro

# No, no, non esistono piu

# Io con te! #

CHEERING

Well, now time for another festive surprise.

When I was invited to gate-crash the Welsh winter wedding

of Ross and Kerry Hutchins,

there was no way that I was going to turn down the invitation.

But not everyone knew that I was on the guest list.

I like nothing better than a winter wedding.

So whilst home for Christmas,

I've been asked to make a surprise appearance

at a very special ceremony.

Me and Kerry, we've been together 15 years.

And finally today is the day that we're going to get married.

I didn't get a good night's sleep last night.

I've been nervous, stressing about this moment.

So I really can't wait for it to happen.

This wedding really is a long time in coming.

We've got two kids, and I think priorities change as that happens.

But it's also Kerry's 40th and it'll be just a fantastic surprise.

I've told no-one about this.

That's been one of the hardest parts as I'm terrible at keeping a secret,

but I'm so looking forward to it now.

It's going to be amazing.

The groom has hidden me away upstairs.

And I have to tell you,

I'm really more nervous today than I was when I sang for the Queen.

Because at least the Queen knew I was coming!

I am going to earn some fantastic brownie points.

The father-in-law is a massive fan as well.

He's going to love me forever!

MUSIC: God Only Knows by The Beach Boys

Ladies and gentlemen, please be upstanding to welcome the bride.

You are here to witness the joining in matrimony of

Ross David Hutchins and Kerry Ann Skeen.

Kerry, will you take Ross to be your husband?

Will you love and respect and be honest with him,

as long as you both shall live?

I will.

It gives me very great pleasure to say congratulations.

You are now husband and wife. Ross, you may kiss the bride.

CHEERING

Before you head off and enjoy yourselves -

this is the best kept secret ever -

but I've laid on a little surprise for Kerry, and for you as well.

I hope you enjoy it. Katherine Jenkins.

APPLAUSE

# O mio babbino caro

# Mi piace, afa bello bello

# Vo'andare... #

I knew there was something going on when there was someone

I didn't recognise at the piano, who wasn't in the plan.

And I thought, "He's got something up his sleeve here."

But I would never ever have imagined that.

-Hello! You're Dad?

-I am Dad.

-Aw, it's so lovely to meet you.

-You too.

We've had an amazing day.

-Absolutely amazing day.

-Absolutely incredible. Amazing.

And the happy couple are here tonight.

So, dare I ask, are you still married?

-Yes, it's OK.

-We're hanging on in.

-LAUGHTER

This next song is dedicated just for you guys.

Joining me to sing I Wish You Christmas,

please welcome Bella Voce.

# I wish you starlight on fields of snow

# The winter's morning light and evening's glow

# I wish you candles that shine from every tree

# So all the world can see

# The light that there could be

# I wish you music I wish you song

# With voices echoing Joyous and strong

# I wish you church bells Ringing true and clear

# I wish you Christmas

# A merry Christmas

# A merry Christmas to remember all the year

# A-ah

# Old friends smiling

# Thinking of times gone by

# Young friends laughing

# Christmas is here

# Spirits are bright

# And hopes are high

-ALL:

-# I wish you loved ones around your fire

# May Christmas bring you all your heart's desire

# I wish you children to make the season new

# With dreams you help come true

# Just like it was for you

# I wish you blessings I wish you love

# The sound of angel choirs from high above

# I wish you laughter, happiness and cheer

# I wish you Christmas

# A merry Christmas

# And may its joy and peace be with you

# Through the year

# I wish you music I wish you song

# I wish you harmony your whole life long

# The warmth of memories that long remain

# I wish you Christmas

# A merry Christmas

# And may God bless you till we all shall meet again. #

CHEERING

-Are you feeling Christmassy yet? ALL:

-Yeah.

Good! Good. Well, it's been such a joy to be with you tonight.

And as my show draws to a close,

we're going to perform a duet that Aled and I sang together

back in 2005.

Please welcome back the lovely Aled Jones.

INAUDIBLE

# O holy night

# The stars are brightly shining

# It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth

# Long lay the world

# In sin and error pining

# Till he appeared

# And the soul felt its worth

# A thrill of hope

# The weary world rejoices

# For yonder breaks

# A new and glorious morn

-ALL:

-# Fall on your knees

# Oh, hear the angel voices

# O night divine

# O night when Christ was born

# O night divine

# O night, O night divine

# So led by the light

# Of faith serenely beaming

# With glowing hearts

-# By his cradle we stand

-A-a-ah

# So, led by light

# Of a star so sweetly gleaming

# Here came the wise men

-# From the Orient land

-A-a-ah

# The King of Kings

# Lay thus in lowly manger

# In all our trials

# Born to be our friend

# Fall on your knees

# Oh, hear the angel voices

# O night divine

# O night when Christ was born

# O night divine

# O night, O night divine. #

CHEERING

Well, tonight has been such a special evening,

and I finally feel Christmassy.

It's been such a joy to be back here

singing in the beautiful Brangwyn Hall

and I'd like to thank my special guests this evening

for lending their talents. Firstly, Aled Jones,

Bella Voce, Llangennech Junior School Choir,

Jane Samuel, my conductor David Doidge

and the sensational Christmas Concert Orchestra.

CHEERING

And thanks, of course, to all of you for such a warm welcome home.

Enjoy the festive season, and have yourselves a merry little Christmas.

# Have yourself a merry little Christmas

# Let your heart be light

# From now on, our troubles will be out of sight

# Have yourself a merry little Christmas

# Make the Yuletide gay

# From now on

# Our troubles will be miles away

-# Here we are, as in olden days

-A-ah

-# Happy golden days of yore

-A-ah

# Faithful friends who are dear to us

# Gather near to us once more

# Through the years

# We all will be together

# If the fates allow

# Hang a shining star

# Upon the highest bough

# So have yourself

# A merry little Christmas now

# Have yourself a merry little Christmas

# Make the Yuletide gay

# From now on

# Our troubles will be miles away

# So have yourself a merry little Christmas

# Have yourself a merry little Christmas

-ALL:

-# Have yourself a merry little Christmas now. #

CHEERING