Susan Boyle to Make Feature Film Debut

LONDON – Susan Boyle will make her feature film debut in John Stephenson's The Christmas Candle, which also stars Hans Matheson (Clash of the Titans), Samantha Barks (Les Miserables) and Lesley Manville (Another Year).

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Billed as a timeless and inspirational story, Candle, set in 1890, is based on the novella by Max Lucado and tells a tale of angels, candles and Christmas wishes.

Written by Eric Newman and Candace Lee, the film also features Sylvester McCoy (The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey), John Hannah (The Mummy), Barbara Flynn (Miss Potter) and James Cosmo (HBO’s Game of Thrones).

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But Boyle, the global singing sensation and talent show discovery, is the biggest name on the film as she makes her first-ever foray into movies.

"Everyone on set is a delight to work with, and it's a fantastic experience to be part of the team," Boyle said, adding that she "can't believe" she is working on the project. "I'm really enjoying getting dressed in the period costumes and stepping back in time, and although it's very cold filming on location, I'm wearing long johns under my bustle."

(No word on what her role entails.)

The Christmas Candle, an Impact and Big Book Media Production presented by Pinewood Pictures, started shooting this week on location in the U.K. and the Isle of Man. 

Tom Newman and Lee produce for Impact. Hannah Leader, former co-owner of U.K. sales and finance banner Capitol Films, produces for Big Book Media. Steve Christian, Ivan Dunleavy, Huw Penallt Jones and Brian Lockhart are executive producers on the picture.

Pinewood Pictures will distribute in the U.K.

Said Barks, who performed "One Day More" at the Oscars on Sunday: "Having just landed from the Academy Awards, I had an hour to unpack and repack and get to set.  I'm very excited to be part of The Christmas Candle, and I'm loving every second."