10:05AM, Nov 05, 2009
Are you ready for an early Christmas treat?
Fern Britton is back on TV, and it’s going to be a cracker.
The This Morning legend is presenting four one-hour shows for the BBC in Advent.
Called Fern Britton Meets… she’ll be chatting to four guests about their faith, and boy, what a line-up.
Tony Blair, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Dolly Parton and Sheila Hancock will be talking about how their beliefs have shaped their lives, and the importance of Christmas to them.
Fern said: "All the interviewees come from very different backgrounds but what binds them together is the fact that, although their faith has been challenged, they've emerged with strong spiritual beliefs."
Blair converted to Catholicism after stepping down as Prime Minister in 2007.
Archbishop Tutu discusses his belief in God and his battle against apartheid in South Africa, while singer Dolly explains how she balances her religious faith with her cheeky stage image.
The last of the interviews features actress Sheila, a Quaker, who lost both of her husbands to cancer.
Aaqil Ahmed, the BBC's Commissioning Editor, Religion and Head of Religion and Ethics, said: "Fern Britton Meets… offers a unique opportunity to see how faith has transformed the lives of some really inspiring people from all fields of endeavour."
The first show will be broadcast at the end of November.
