OXFORD’s own burlesque star Fabia Cerra has been nominated for an award at the British Plus Size awards.

The Britain’s Got Talent contestant has been put forward for the Best Burlesque Performer 2015 – a new category for this year’s ceremony.

The awards aim to recognise those who have broken barriers in the plus-size industry.

And it came as a surprise to the mother-of-one, who only realised she had been nominated while she was voting for a singer on the award’s website.

The 41-year-old from Greater Leys said: “It was quite a shock when I noticed it on the website.

“I was really taken aback. I’m so pleased, it’s lovely they have decided to have this category.

“I think it’s really nice for the plus-size industry that there are lots of different people who get acknowledged in our little community. I’m blown away by the news.”

Ms Cerra shot to fame in 2009 after appearing on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent.

Since then she has been crowned Miss Pin-Up UK at a ceremony in London and hosted dance classes to raise money.

Ms Cerra got into burlesque dancing after giving birth to her son in 2005 and said it helps people feel more confident.

She added: “I teach women of all different shapes and sizes and nobody ever judges anyone.

“It’s so nice to get something positive because you do get judged sometimes.

“Young girls at school are image conscious when looking at magazine these days. If you’re a size 12 you are classed as plus-sized.

“In our little community we are who we are, and are happy and comfortable in our own skin. Plus-size women are doing really well in the industry.

“I’m so grateful for the nomination.”

The burlesque dancer will attend the awards evening at the Radisson Blue Portman Hotel in London on November 21.

The celebrity black-tie event will see stars walk the red carpet before sipping Champagne at the reception followed by a three-course meal during the awards and show.

There will be one winner from each of the 23 categories, which include stars such as Dawn French, Nick Frost, and Peter Kay.

Ms Cerra added: “I’m looking forward to it very much. It will be a really good night.

“These sort of nights are always a full house and it will be great to meet others and chat about their work.

“I just love what I do and I’m very proud.

“It’s great for the plus-size community and shows how far people in the industry can go.”

Ms Cerra has previously rubbed shoulders with supermodel Kate Moss for a BBC Christmas special.