Standing ovation for Bruno

Frank Bruno at the Royal Variety Performance
13 April 2012

Frank Bruno chose the 75th Royal Variety Performance to make his first public appearance since his high-profile battle with depression.

The former world heavyweight champion and pantomime star was greeted by a standing ovation from the audience as he made a surprise appearance on stage at Edinburgh's Festival Theatre last night.

Bruno, humorously introduced by Scots comic Ronnie Corbett as his "twin brother", chuckled his way through his fleeting appearance on stage.

The star, who spoke briefly, was said to have been thrilled to appear in front of the Queen.

Bruno, one of Britain's best-loved sports personalities, was sectioned under the Mental Health Act in September, after police and health workers visited his Essex home.

Traditionally held in London, this year marks the Royal Variety's first appearance in Edinburgh.

An array of showbiz stars turned out in a bid to make the anniversary performance memorable.

Australian Dame Edna Everage opened the extravaganza wearing a pink and green Scottish thistle ensemble.

Clean-cut Donny Osmond performed on his own before the rear stage curtains rose behind him to reveal his five brothers who joined him in renditions of Love Me For A Reason and Crazy Horses.

Pop fans were treated to the first Royal Variety performances of international singing star Daniel Bedingfield and teenage heart-throbs Busted.

Former S Club 7 member Rachel Stevens toned down her usually steamy stage performances to sing her top five single Sweet Dreams My LA Ex.

The highlight of the night came in the second half when one of the world's greatest tenors, Luciano Pavarotti performed to the receptive crowd.

Pavarotti, his voice quaking with emotion, addressed the Queen saying: "All my heart and my voice is here. With emotion I will sing for you."

The Italian tenor, who recently celebrated his 40th anniversary as an opera singer, performed the stirring song Caruso to a rapturous reception from the audience at this, his Royal Variety debut.

Other performers included Westlife, Gloria Estefan, 19-year-old jazz pianist and singer Jamie Cullum and comedian Al Murray, the Pub Landlord.

The performance was held in aid of the Entertainment Artiste's Benevolent Fund.
Hosted by Cat Deeley, the show will be broadcast on ITV1 at 9pm tomorrow.

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