A PATRON of Dorset charity Julia's House Debra Stephenson will appear on a hit BBC quiz show this weekend.

Actress and comedian Ms Stephenson was raising much-needed funds for the children's hospice, which covers Dorset and Wiltshire.

She took to the iconic black chair on Celebrity Mastermind with her specialist subject being former member of The Beatles, John Lennon.

The show - hosted by BBC News presenter Clive Myrie - will air on BBC One at 5.35pm on Saturday, February 18.

“I have always admired him [John Lennon] as a truth seeker and activist for peace, qualities that couldn’t be more relevant today,” said Ms Stephenson.

"I started studying transcendental meditation in 2020 and have been practicing ever since, so I was curious to find out more about The Beatles’ experience in India with The Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

"Delving into their story I was most drawn to Lennon; his was a captivating discovery of spirituality and an epic journey in self-improvement.”

Ms Stephenson added that one of the biggest challenges was seizing under the pressure on the TV show.

“Learning about a subject and using recall to answer questions is a great way to ‘tone up’ the mind and most importantly for me, a great exercise in staying calm and focused under pressure," she said.

“The other contestants were friendly, I didn’t get any competitive vibes - but then I’m not a competitive person.

"I’ve done many competitions; from Opportunity Knocks when I was 14 to the Strictly Christmas Special, but I draw the line at eating insects - I hate creepy crawlies."

She added: “Julia’s House are really wonderful in the way they continue to support local families through unimaginable challenges.

"I hope local people will be inspired to do what they can for this children’s hospice, and I hope John Lennon will remind them to be truth-seekers and ‘give peace a chance’."

In the pre-recorded show, Debra splits her charity winnings between Julia’s House and Blind Veterans, which helped her grandad at the end of his life.

Martin Edwards, CEO of Julia’s House, said: “We’re so grateful to Debra for her generosity and her quick-fire answers in the hot seat.

"Donations like these make it possible for the most seriously ill children and their families to access the lifeline of support and respite they need at the most challenging of times.”