Actress Kate Winslet and a host of theatre stars have welcomed in the festive season at London's St Paul's Cathedral.

The star of Titanic and Oscar-nominated actor Sir Nigel Hawthorne were among those taking to the stage to read at the Imperial Cancer Research Fund's Christmas carol concert.

Winslet, who wore a snow-white coat adorned with scattered diamante, gave a reading of Elizabeth Jennings's The Annunciation.

The first-time mother, who gave birth to her daughter Mia eight weeks ago, admitted she was "dead nervous" before the reading.

She said: "This is worse than anything. I'm dead nervous but this has kick-started me into the Christmas spirit."

Sir Nigel, best known for his part in TV's Yes Minister, read Walter de la Mare's Christmas Eve.

Actress Emma Thompson and partner Greg Wise were among guests who joined in with classic carols such as O Little Town of Bethlehem and The Holly and The Ivy.

The concert, which was attended by Princess Alexandra and her husband Sir Angus Ogilvy, raised between £150,000 and £200,000 for the fund.

Last updated: 22:25 Tuesday 12th December 2000

BBC News
Winslet Leads Star Carol Service
December 13, 2000

Actress Kate Winslet joined a host of stars to welcome in the festive season at London's St Paul's Cathedral.

The Titanic star gave a reading at a service on behalf of the Imperial Cancer Research Fund on Tuesday night.

"I'm dead nervous but this has kick-started me into the Christmas spirit," said Winslet who gave birth to her first child, Mia, eight weeks ago.

Also present were Sir Nigel Hawthorne, Emma Thompson and her partner Greg Wise.