Susan Boyle starring in first film

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LONDON, March 2 (UPI) -- Scottish singer Susan Boyle is filming her big-screen debut, a Christmas period film set in an 1890s English village, the star said.

Boyle, who rose to fame after singing the "Les Miserables" song "I Dreamed A Dream" in 2009, stars along "Les Miserables" star Samantha Barks, the BBC reported. Former "Doctor Who" star Sylvester McCoy and Bafta-nominated actor John Hannah also appear in the film adaptation of U.S. author Max Lucado's novella.

The film, "The Christmas Candle" is about blessed candles that answer people's prayers, TMZ reported. It is being filmed on location.

"It's very cold. ... I'm wearing long johns under my bustle," Boyle said. "Everyone on set is a delight to work with and it's a fantastic experience to be part of the team."

Co-star Barks flew into Britain for filming immediately after an Oscar performance of the "Les Mis" song, "One Day More."

"I had an hour to unpack and repack and get to set," she said.

The film is set to be released at Christmastime.