A GREAT grandmother who starred in a television advert for a no-frills supermarket has launched her own take on the Queen’s traditional Christmas Day message.

Jean Jones, originally from Middleton One Row, near Darlington, found fame in 2011, in an advert for Aldi.

In it, the 85-year-old told viewers that her husband liked the supermarket’s own brand tea more than a branded competitor, but that she preferred to drink gin instead.

The ad went on to be voted Britain’s favourite of 2011, in a survey of more than two million consumers by market research specialist, Nielsen.

Such was the popularity of Mrs Jones’ character that supermarket bosses started thinking of ways to involve her in this year’s Christmas social media promotion.

An alternative take on the Queen’s speech – known as Jean’s speech – was first broadcast on Aldi’s Facebook page on Tuesday (December 17).

Since then, a You Tube version of the two-minute speech has received more than 55,000 hits.

In it, Mrs Jones plays the trumpet and tells viewers about her new conservatory.

Ever on-message, she also tells customers about the success Aldi has enjoyed in 2013, including being voted Britain’s best supermarket.

Mrs Jones said: “I had never done any acting before I was cast for the Aldi adverts. It was my friend who first put me forward but when they chose me, I enjoyed it all so much that when Aldi asked if I would be interested in making Jean’s speech, I jumped at the chance.

“Since the first ads, I’ve been stopped in the street for autographs and was even asked to open Aldi’s new store in Newton Aycliffe.”

An Aldi spokesman said: “We know our customers love the humour of our adverts, and particularly love Jean.

“We’re sure they’ll enjoy seeing Jean return in this Christmas special, which we hope retains all the humour customers have come to expect from our ads but more importantly, also thanks them for all their support in 2013.”

To watch Jean’s speech, visit http://youtu.be/CC99bqiHeqs