And he delivered an early Christmas surprise for the couple who have endured a year of personal trauma.

Edmonds sent in a crack team of helpers to build a luxury chicken coop for the couple's feathered friends, including luxury apartments for the plucky hens.

The presenter of Noel's Christmas Presents visited the couple after a friend who watched the Sky One show last year wrote to producers saying they deserved a surprise Christmas gift.

Mrs Finneran, 34, said: "I was totally shocked when I opened the door and it was him – I watch Deal Or No Deal and recognised him straight away. I said hello and gave him a kiss."

The couple had built a coop for their hens in the back garden.
However, Noel and his team of assistants helped to transform part of their back garden into luxury apartments for the birds.

The pair will also be sent on the holiday of a lifetime thanks to the TV star.

Nicola White contacted the show after her friend Mrs Finneran suffered a series of setbacks.

Mrs Finneran, of Regent Road, Burton Latimer, said: "We've been through quite a bit recently.

"My father had a brain haemorrhage in June 2007 and spent eight weeks in a Birmingham hospital and four weeks in intensive care.

"On top of that my mother-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2007 and my husband Ian was diagnosed with a brain tumour the same month.

"He has received chemotherapy and radiotherapy but we were told in May the tumour has come back. We both had to stop work because he needs 24- hour care.

"It's been a difficult time but I've got through it by keeping myself very busy and with the help of my friends."

Prior to Noel's surprise, the show's bosses sent researchers to their home posing as a group doing an organic living study.

Mrs Finneran said: "We were totally gullible and took it all in. Even my parents were in on it. On the day Noel came over he got changed into the egg suit at my neighbour's house. The whole thing was surreal."

The couple were whisked away while the work was being done before the big unveiling later the same day.

Mrs Finneran said: "The finished thing is fantastic. I've still left the bow on it."

The couple will also be heading off on a free European cruise this month after having to cancel several holidays because of difficulties getting insurance for Mr Finneran.

They are due to take part in more filming for the Christmas Day show next month.