The BBC is dedicating a one-off special to the iconic singer Bonnie Tyler, who died at the age of 75 earlier this month after complications from emergency intestinal surgery. The Welsh singer, best known for her 1980s power ballad 'Total Eclipse of the Heart,' passed away in Faro, Portugal, in May, following an ongoing illness exacerbated by the surgery.
BBC Tribute Special Details
The tribute, titled 'Bonnie Tyler at the BBC,' will air on BBC Two on Saturday, July 25, at 8.30pm. It is described as a celebration of her 'incredible 50-year career' as fans come to terms with her death. The program will feature clips from the BBC archive, including performances on 'Top of the Pops,' 'The Late, Late Breakfast Show,' and 'Saturday Night at the Mill.'
The official description notes: '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.' The tribute will also include her 1983 performance of 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' from her Tim Rice TV Special.
Celebrity Tributes
Actress Catherine Zeta-Jones led the tributes, saying: '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,' adding on X: 'She loved life and inspired the rest of us to do the same.' Sir Cliff Richard commented he was mourning 'another wonderful friend gone too soon.'
Funeral Arrangements
Bonnie Tyler's coffin will be brought to her Mumbles home on Saturday, August 15, at 3.30pm, with fans invited to pay their respects by lining Newton Road at 3.15pm. A celebration of her life will be held at St Mary's Church, Swansea, on Monday, August 17, at 12pm, before she is returned to her hometown of Skewen, Neath Port Talbot, for a private family service.
