A Bicester family had to battle it out on television to win their daughter her dream wedding.

The Allen family took part in Sky TV show Battle of the Brides, which sees two brides get the chance to have a joint wedding but they must compromise on their dream day.

Zoe, 26, wanted a Phantom of the Opera themed wedding, while fellow bride Cora Baxendale, of Sheffield, wanted a Queen of Hearts day. Both had to agree to incorporate each other’s ideas into the day — with the help of their families — to win a £25,000 day.

Zoe called on her parents Paula, 47, and Pat, 53, Allen, from Defiant Close, Bicester, and sister Rachel, from Southwold, Bicester, pictured left with her.

Former Cooper School pupil Zoe Hermitage now lives in Kent with her ex-soldier husband Kevin and their daughter Mya, three.

Sister Rachel Allen, 23, of Southwold, Bicester, said: “She went on the show because she booked her wedding and had to cancel when she found out she was expecting Mya.

“We took part in filming — both brides were there and revealed parts of what they wanted in their wedding and got to try on each other’s dresses and see table decorations.

“We gave Zoe our opinions and supported her.”

Zoe, whose wedding took place at Fawsley Hall, in Northamptonshire, last November, said: “I had always been on the lookout for cheaper ways to have our wedding and came across an advert for the show. It was a bit of a nightmare getting to the wedding day, but on the day it was absolutely amazing.”

Zoe said her dream red wedding dress, arrival transport — a gondola on wheels – and the bridesmaid’s dresses, and flowers all stayed in the show, which goes out on the Sky Living channel at 9pm tonight.