SINGER and West End star Brenda Edwards makes her presenting debut on BBC's Songs Of Praise this Sunday.
In a programme pre-recorded before the current lockdown, she joins the Bonny Downs Baptists in East London on their 'Sunday walking church', which finishes with Holy Communion in their community garden.
She also joins their walking football team to hear about the benefits of fun, faith and footie, before singing one of her favourite sacred songs To God Be The Glory.
Brenda said: "It's an honour and a privilege to join the team at Songs Of Praise in their 60th year!
"Having grown up in the church and gospel choir I know how important faith and music is for hope, healing and optimism – three things we all really need in the current climate.
"I can't wait to get started and share this journey with Songs Of Praise's wonderful viewers!"
Brenda was raised in a Pentecostal church in Luton and was a member of the Church Of God In Christ's 300-strong gospel choir.
Since appearing on the X Factor in 2005 she has gone on to have a singing and television career.
Matthew Napier, Series Producer, said: "We're delighted that Brenda is joining the family of presenters on Songs Of Praise in this special year where we celebrate our 60th year on BBC television."
Daisy Scalchi, BBC Commissioner for Songs of Praise, said: "It's fantastic to have Brenda joining the incredible Songs Of Praise presenting team.
"Her voice and her faith are inspiring and she is a wonderful addition to the series."
Brenda joins the diverse line-up of presenters on Songs Of Praise, including Aled Jones, Katherine Jenkins, Sean Fletcher, Kate Bottley, Claire McCollum, Mark De-Lisser, JB Gill, Katie Piper, Laura Right, Pam Rhodes, Gemma Hunt, James Lusted, Radzi Chinyanganya and YolanDa Brown.
