- Premier.tv
- Archive
- Christian celebrities
Spotlight
I never knew they were Christians … !
Two hundred years ago the most celebrated person in our country was Lord Nelson. Here was a true English hero. He scuppered the French at Trafalgar, leading from the front and dying a warrior’s death. Today we have David Beckham and Katie Price! Celebrity is a funny old word, isn’t it? Do we really wish to celebrate such people? Some celebrities may deserve it, but others … well, that’s best kept unsaid! A fair smattering of them are Christian, and here we celebrate the Christian celebrities (though many of them would rather call themselves celebrities who happen to be Christian) who have dropped into our studio lately.
Let me tell you a story.
There was an Englishman, an Irishman and a Welshman. All are household names, one in the world of music, one in the media and the other in politics. Although it is unlikely that they have ever met (though in the celebrity treadmill of our media saturated universe, this is arguable), they all profess one thing in common - a Christian faith.
One had a dramatic conversion while in prison for perjury, following this by gaining a theology degree. In this interview Jonathan Aitken talks about his new book on John Newton, the author of
“Amazing Grace”.
One was brought up a nominal Catholic and then discovered a personal faith once he became famous. Popular singer Daniel O’Donnell talks about his faith story and, with Mary Duff, chats about their new album.
And the other one inherited his from parents who dragged him to Church since he was knee-high to a grasshopper, subsequently becoming a rather high-profile choirboy. From “walking in the air” to walking the corridors of the BBC, watch
Aled Jones tell his story.
And another story
There was a footballer, a comedian and a trio of gifted musicians ...
Linvoy Primus plays in the Premiership, for Portsmouth. Here he speaks candidly about his struggle to get there, how he rediscovered the faith of his childhood and how a footballer can live out his faith without compromise.
Don Maclean is not a name that slips off the tongue readily these days. But in his day he was all over the TV and radio, strutting his comedic stuff. Talking to fellow Brummie, Cindy Kent, Don tells his life story and what God means to him.
Rick Wakeman is a true rock legend, keyboard genius of “Yes” in the 70s. Now he plays hymns. Talking to Cindy Kent, he fills in the gaps with many laughs on the way!
Hayley Westenra tells us how a busker on the streets of New Zealand became an international artiste selling 3 million albums worldwide and how Christian music played a part in this.
Alfie Boe has been called possibly the finest tenor of this generation. Here he gives his faith story, how he balances his inner life with a busy schedule.