Treyc Cohen and Bernie Clifton switch on Telford lights

Friday 26th November 2010, 1:22PM GMT.

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X Factor contestant Treyc Cohen and comedy star Bernie Clifton switching on the Telford Christmas lights

Hundreds of people braved the first big chill of winter to see X Factor finalist Treyc Cohen and stars from the Oakengates pantomime perform as a Shropshire shopping centre launched its Christmas celebrations.

The singer from Tamworth and the cast of Jack and the Beanstalk, including Bernie Clifton, were the star turns as Telford Shopping Centre switched on its Christmas lights last night and opened its Santa’s grotto.

Treyc said she was overwhelmed by the reaction of the Telford crowd as she was welcomed on stage in one of the centre’s car parks.

She was greeted with loud applause, cheers and shouts of “I love Treyc” and she sang four popular songs in freezing temperatures, including Car Wash and The Zutons’s Valerie.

And, in an exclusive interview with the Shropshire Star, she admitted being very nervous about performing for the county crowd, despite singing in front of millions on X Factor.

“I am always nervous. Even though the response has been amazing since I left I never know quite what the reaction is going to be,” she added.

And Treyc, 27, is used to tough critics after facing down reality show judges.

But she said she enjoyed every minute of X Factor and was extremely grateful she had been given such an “amazing platform” to launch a career and was really looking forward to returning for finals night.

After singing and performing the official switch-on at 6pm she made time to talk to fans in New Row.

Bernie Clifton, famous for his yellow ostrich, also said he was delighted to have been part of the event.

“It’s great, really wonderful to be here,” he said.

Stars of last night’s show included Telford Tigers and Lawley Primary School.

By Tracey O’Sullivan

View more: Oakengates Theatre news, Telford news.

1
Antonia Weaver

November 26, 2010 at 13:40

i fought Trayc was fantastic and so was the lawley primary school and telford stage school and the people from the panto. i waited in the cold since 11 in the morning it was worth the wait though. truly fantastic xx

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2
Tasha

November 26, 2010 at 16:55

Great, some reality show reject and a 1970′s comedy has-been! Nice to see Telford is keeping up with things!

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3
Rob

November 28, 2010 at 18:46

I think the girl who said she likes the woman with the dog needs to get with it! That was Britains got talent a few years ago!!! what a twit!

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