As comedian Francine Lewis returns to her Britain's Got Talent roots, the 48-year-old mum of two invites OK! into her home to give us a special tour. It comes 11 years after reaching the final of the ITV competition, amid the news the mum of two will be taking part in BGT Reacts, an official spin-off of the original in which former contestants react to a new batch of hopefuls.
“It’s so much fun because you never know who is going to walk out on that stage. Britain’s Got Talent brings back so many amazing memories for me – it was the best thing I ever did.”
The move comes after what has been a difficult few years for Francine, whose world was rocked when discovered her husband Joel Ryan engaged in an inappropriate text relationship with another woman. "I know it sounds clichéd, but we’re stronger than ever now," she told us.
To celebrate her latest project, Francine invited OK! into her stunning five-bedroom house in Cuffley, Hertfordshire - built by hubby Joel - for a sneak peek at her incredible décor and one of her famous impressions...
THE DECOR
Francine is incredibly proud of her home of 15 years, which was built by her husband Joel, and shared with their two children Brooke, 21, and Jake, 17, and the family dog.
Much of the inspiration for her gold, cream and pink décor comes from her holidays to Dubai, she reveals, saying she prefers a "minimalistic look" in her home but won't sacrifice on comfort.
THE BATHROOM
Mum of two Francine says the bathroom is probably her "favourite room in the house", with its Dubai-inspired marble tiles and gold fixtures and fittings. "We haven't put the shower screen on yet, that's yet to come, and because my husband's a builder, it may never come!
"I just think it's a really stylish, cosy, beautiful, rich-looking bathroom."
THE BEDROOM
The impressionist says she loves her "simple" bedroom, and her favourite part is her padded headboard - so she doesn't "bash her head" all the time....
It features Amanda Holden's bedlinen collection, a fluffy carpet, and bespoke curtains and blinds.
"I think when I went on holiday to Dubai my room was gold and I absolutely love it, so the inspiration comes from Dubai.'
THE KITCHEN
"Everything happens in the kitchen, so we're always in here," Francine shares. "I'm actually a very good cook."
The room has changed a number of times over the 15 years the family have lived there, but she's currently going for a pink vibe with pink neon LED lights and matching accessories - including some fur-trimmed pink rubber gloves!
THE BAR
Francine's outdoor bar features an aptly-named 'Gin Palace' place sign and pink neon strip lights to give it a proper party vibe.
There's a cosy egg chair (you can pick up a similar one from Dunelm), high bar stools, fridge with inbuilt ice maker and plenty of gold-coloured wine coolers.
THE LOUNGE
Francine and the family spend "every single evening" in their living room, which features large comfy sofas, large canvas prints of the couple's children, a grand chandelier and a fire place (which, she reveals, doesn't work because a bird flew down it so they had to block the chimney with cardboard!)
Channelling her inner diva, she effortlessly breaks into an impression of TOWIE's Gemma Collins, telling OK!: "These sofas are lovely for the GC's bottom! I love to sit here, put my legs up, watch a bit of TV, a bit of TOWIE, 'cause you know I love Essex, I'm from Essex, Queen of Essex, British Beyonce, do you know what I mean?"
THE BLUE ROOM
Francine and Joel's home also features a "Blue Room", inspired by Megan McKenna's appearance on MTV's Cribs. The family cinema room includes a large negative-style photo, and one of Francine's most prized possessions, her Through the Keyhole key from her appearance with David Frost and Lloyd Grossman.
THE FLOWER WALL
Francine's love of faux flowers is carried through to other parts of the house, including her flowered wall where she loves to take selfies, she admits.