Rylan Clark and Kingsland Road join St Luke's School’s end of year performance to be broadcast to the nation on TalkTalk TV
Pupils at St Luke’s Catholic Primary School in Harlow today staged their most spectacular Christmas performance to date after winning cameo performances by X Factor stars Rylan Clark and Kingsland Road as part of their end of year nativity play.
The children, aged between 7 and 10, won TalkTalk's Shining Stars competition aimed at finding the next generation of aspiring singers, dancers and actors. The performance was professionally filmed and will be screened to millions on the country’s fastest growing TV service, TalkTalk TV later this month.
TalkTalk’s Tristia Harrison commended the children on their performance: “The energy and talent of the children at St Luke’s School really stood out. We are delighted to be able to showcase their performance on TalkTalk TV so they, and the rest of the nation, have the chance to watch it at home, just as they do their favorite X Factor contestants.”
The prize included a guest appearance from Rylan, who came fifth in the talent show last year, and this year's boyband Kingsland Road as characters in the school's Christmas production The Christmas Journey. Pupils opted for Rylan to become one of the shepherds, whilst Kingsland Road were asked to sing Christmas hymn We are Marching dressed as Christmas characters.
All 110 pupils got a taste of the limelight as they were treated like stars for the day with the full red carpet treatment, complete with hair and makeup, screaming fans and paparazzi.
The children of St Luke’s caught the judges’ attention and beat off hundreds of entries from youth groups, schools, glee clubs and choirs to win this amazing prize. Having tragically lost one of its pupils to Typhoon Haiyan, the school is using this performance as an opportunity to raise money for the Philippines appeal, to which TalkTalk is also making a donation.
Music teacher Emma Crossingham said: "We were thrilled to have Rylan and Kingsland Road star in our nativity play given that so many of our pupils are fans of The X Factor and budding performers themselves. Christmas is an important celebration in the Catholic Church so whilst remaining respectful of this tradition it was good to give our show a fun, 21st century twist and we certainly saw more parents attend this year than ever before! It was a wonderful experience for our children."
Rylan Clark said: "Taking part in this performance took me back to my school days and I had so much fun with the kids and the guys from Kingsland Road. There are certainly some stars in the making at St Luke’s and it’s extra special that their families can also watch their starring moment on TV. That would have made my Christmas when I was younger.”
The full performance will be available to all TalkTalk TV customers on the TalkTalk Player, from 24 December.
