The BBC is set to air a one-off special tribute to the late Welsh icon Bonnie Tyler, who died earlier this month at the age of 75 following emergency intestinal surgery. The special, titled Bonnie Tyler at the BBC, will broadcast on BBC Two on Saturday, July 25, at 8.30pm.
Tribute to a Legendary Career
Recognised as an iconic 1980s powerhouse, Bonnie Tyler died after complications arising from surgery carried out in Faro, Portugal, in May. The tribute has been described as a 'celebration' of the artist's 'incredible 50-year career as fans come to terms with the sad news of her death.'
The official description states: 'The only Welsh performer to have a US Number 1, Bonnie's distinctive husky vocals and powerful performances made her one of Britain's best-loved and most enduring artists. This collection from the BBC archive showcases some of her biggest and very best moments from over the decades.'
Footage and Performances
Among the footage scheduled to appear are performances from numerous programmes including Top of the Pops, The Late, Late Breakfast Show, and Saturday Night at the Mill. The tribute will also feature 'the song frequently voted the greatest power ballad in pop history, Total Eclipse of the Heart,' taken from her Tim Rice TV Special performance in 1983.
Funeral and Celebration of Life
It has been announced that the star's coffin will arrive at her Mumbles residence on Saturday, August 15, at 3.30pm, with supporters encouraged to 'pay their respects' by gathering along Newton Road from 3.15pm. A celebration of her life will take place at St Mary's Church, Swansea, on Monday, August 17, at 12pm, before she will 'return to her hometown' of Skewen, Neath Port Talbot for a private family service.
Tributes from Fellow Artists
Actress Catherine Zeta-Jones was among the first to pay tribute, writing: 'A one of a kind artist, who so easily could have been a comedian because she was one of the funniest people I ever met. Thank you Bonnie for the joy you brought so many. Sleep tight beautiful lady.'
Shakin' Stevens described her as 'a true professional, and a bright, shining light,' posting on X: 'She loved life and inspired the rest of us to do the same.' Sir Cliff Richard said he was mourning 'another wonderful friend gone too soon.'
Bonnie Tyler at the BBC premieres on Saturday, July 25, at 8.30pm, on BBC Two.
