Earby singer transforms into Bette Midler on ITV's Starstruck

Kiki Deville, a singer from Earby, appeared on the show in March and said it was a fantastic experience.

Kiki ‘transformed’ into Bette Midler and sang Wind Beneath My Wings on the show, which sees ordinary members of the public with an exceptional talent team up to transform into some of the world’s biggest music icons.

“The producers reached out to me and asked if I could take part in the show,” said Kiki.

“I had some friends on it last year. They had a great time so thought I would give it a try.”

Barbara, Kiki, Hollie-Blue perform as Bette Midler on ITV's Starstruck (Image: ITV/Remarkable Television)

Kiki said she chose to turn into Bette as she always admired her talent and sense of humour.

She said: “I work in the world of cabaret and even as a young singer I liked the idea that you could sing and also be funny.

“I always really admired that about Bette.

“I had a fantastic experience on the show. I was part of a team which made it so much better.

"The two women I was working with were absolutely brilliant. We had such a great experience.”

Kiki didn’t make it to the next round of the competition but says it was an unforgettable experience and that she is glad to have met the show’s “adorable” host Olly Murs.

Kiki said: “If there is anything you want to do, life is way too short not to take the plunge, so fill in that application form and have a good time.

“Also remember to go out and support live music artists. We are still trying to get back on track after the pandemic.”

Kiki Deville (Image: Kiki Deville/Anchor Studio)

Kiki, who appeared on BBC’s The Voice in 2014 as part of team Will.i.am, hopes her appearance will direct new fans to her gigs and performances.

She also hopes it will raise awareness for her project The Keepsake Circle, where she works with grieving parents who have lost their children in order to create a song in their memory.

Kiki launched The Keepsake Circle three years ago and works with Derian House, a Chorley-based children’s hospice who helped Kiki and the family when her son, Dexter, was dying.

Dexter, who was born with Zellweger Syndrome, died aged just one month and three days in 2007.

Kiki said: “I have been involved with Derian House since my son, Dexter, passed away there in 2007. I started the Keepsake Circle with my business partner Angus Powell.

“We started this after I wrote a song for Dexter. We thought it was something we could do to help other people.

“The songs help in a number of ways.  As a bereaved parent it is a way to keep your child’s memory alive.

“I sit down with the parents and they tell me stories about their child. Through those words we create an original song for their child who is no longer here.”