Jane McDonald: ‘I put lipstick on to take the bins out!’
The glamorous Bafta-winning star is back with more old-school entertainment
You perhaps wouldn’t know it from her immaculate hair and glittery gowns, but when Jane McDonald stepped in front of the cameras for the first day of recording series two of her hit variety show Jane McDonald & Friends, she was struggling.
“We started filming the morning after the BAFTAs, so I felt very fragile as I’d drunk copious amounts of champagne,” laughs the Wakefield crooner, who was stunned when her other Channel 5 series, Cruising With Jane McDonald, scooped the Best Features gong at the TV awards ceremony last month.
“I was in a dark place for quite some time!”
The hangover may have worn off, but the shock of the win hasn’t faded for the 55 year old, who first found fame on 90s reality show The Cruise.
“It still hasn’t sunk in yet and I don’t think it ever will,” smiles Jane.
“I keep the award right next to my telly. My mother had it for about three weeks while I was on tour, but then I thought: ‘No, it needs to come back home with me.’”
And Jane might have to clear more room on her mantelpiece now she is back to brighten up our Friday nights with her unique mix of songs, musical guests, audience chat and surprises.
Series one of Jane McDonald & Friends bagged more than 1.2 million viewers, despite being a risky bet for Channel 5.
“It was a big gamble as there are no shows like this on the telly,” says Jane.
“But the gamble paid off and I could not be happier. I think it worked because it’s a nod to nostalgia.
"It’s a family show, and it’s a Friday-night show hosted by a woman – both of which are really unusual these days – and for series two we’ve really gone up a notch.”
Of course, one thing fans have come to expect is plenty of outfit changes, and Jane promises she won’t disappoint.
“Oh darling, I only do it to get dressed up,” she grins. “I’ll have bigger hair and more sparkles than ever.
"I even put my lipstick on to take out the bins!”
Jane Mcdonald & friends, Friday, 9pm, Channel 5
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