Parents push their cherubs into nativity

NATIVITY shows and the school play beat sports day and parents’ evenings as the most competitive event for mums and dads.

Over half admit they feel “deeply disappointed” if their little cherub misses a star part, research reveals.

Up to one in 10 pay for singing and dancing lessons to give them an “edge” over classmates.

One in 20 admits sucking up to a teacher to help secure a plum role.

And two in 10 admit spending hours making their youngster costumes from scratch in a bid to “out-do” the competition.

The study was for Virgin TV. Its Christmas Stars competition offers primary schools the chance to have their show filmed and seen by up to four million viewers on demand.