Even when she was struggling with cancer, brave Belinda Emmett took inspiration from the spirit of Christmas to perform at Carols In The Domain.
The popular TV star and beloved wife of Rove McManus performed at Sydney's favourite Christmas event seven times between 1995 and 2002.
This year her brother, Shane Emmett, 30, is taking to the stage in tribute to the much-loved actress and singer who died last month at the age of 32.
Though sources said Christmas would be a very emotional time for her family, Emmett was steeling himself to honour his sister's memory in a fittingly joyous fashion.
While appearing at Carols In The Domain will be a challenge, Emmett, a singer, actor and filmmaker, said he believed his sister would be there on stage with him offering support.
"The public figure of Belinda was the private figure - her love, compassion and incredible strength is something that will never leave me," he said.
"We were very close - she was a sister and a soul mate. Belinda and I grew up as singing partners, in the car, on holidays, around our home, from The Rainbow Connection to Oklahoma!
"I was Danny, Belinda was always Sandy. Sometimes she made me be Rizzo. She will always be Sandy to me."
Emmett said it was "a tremendous privilege to sing at the carols and honour the memory of Belinda".
He said: "Sometimes there are things that can only be expressed with music, when words escape us. Music was Belinda's life and singing made her come alive. I'm sure she will be looking down on Saturday night, smiling."
Belinda Emmett had been recording an album before she died. The family released a single, Less Than Perfect last month. Her first Carols performance was in 1995, just before she joined the popular Channel Seven soap Home And Away. She sang Christmas Is.
At her final Carols In The Domain in 2002 she performed The Christmas Song.
Carols In The Domain, hosted by Grant Denyer and Shelley Craft, screens live on Seven at 8.30pm next Saturday.
Other guests include Guy Sebastian, Human Nature, Jade MacRae - and the Wiggles for their 15th consecutive year.