A blind woman from Wales who amazed her neighbours by singing on her doorstep during lockdown appeared as an unexpected star on Michael McIntyre's Big Show. Anne Wilkins, from Bridgend, is a singing teacher and soprano who has performed all around the world.
During the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, Anne treated her neighbours to a number of impromptu performances when they came out to clap for the NHS. She particularly stunned people with her rendition of Over The Rainbow and performed with her West End actor neighbour Alyn Hawke. He suggested Anne sing for the neighbours because he's always been a fan of her voice growing up.
To Anne's surprise, she became the star of Michael McIntyre's Big Show on Saturday, January 14. Each week, a member of the public is nominated by loved ones as an 'unexpected star', to give them the opportunity to perform to a live audience on prime time television. Anne was nominated by her biggest fan, Alyn, along with her other adoring neighbours.
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Introducing the segment on his BBC One show, Michael said: "Anne, who has been blind since birth, has one huge passion in her life - and that is singing. It was during lockdown that Anne gave some of her most special performances - encouraged by her friend Alyn, she sang her heart out for everyone on the street. So Anne's neighbours, especially Alyn, decided they wanted to give her a special surprise as a way of thanking her, so they have nominated her to be tonight's unexpected star - it's a good one."
In order to surprise Anne, the show set up a fake recording studio. Anne was told she would appear on a fictitious podcast Inspirational People hosted by Anita Rani. During the interviewy, Anne was told a special celebrity guest would appear later on. When asked who her dream guest would be, she replied: "Bryn Terfel." But hilariously, Michael McIntyre showed up instead.
Speaking to Anne, he said: "I'm incredibly excited to tell you that you're on my show right now. This is Michael McIntyre's Big Show and you've been nominated to be the unexpected star of the show. You are actually backstage at the theatre and there are 2,000 people sitting there watching us. They know all about you and you will be performing for us tonight if you agree." A huge cheer and round of applause was heard as she said "yes".
Later in the show, Anne walked on stage dressed in an elegant purple gown alongside her hero Bryn Terfel. Together, they sang a beautiful rendition of All I Ask of You from The Phantom of the Opera musical by Andrew Lloyd-Webber. Unsurprisingly, Anne received a standing ovation.
She said: "I was really super surprised when I realised Michael was behind this. I never guessed anything like this. It's a dream come true. I've known Alyn all his life. I really appreciate what he's done. I'm looking forward to performing very much. It's something I never thought I'd do."
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