Bonnie Tyler, the iconic Welsh singer known for hits like 'Holding Out for a Hero', has died at the age of 75 after battling an illness while receiving treatment at a Portuguese hospital. Her death has prompted fans to revisit her career highlights, including a rare television cameo in the soap spin-off Hollyoaks Later.
Historic Achievement and Rare TV Appearance
Tyler made history as the first Welsh artist to reach number one in America. Despite her global fame, she had limited screen appearances, with her only other TV cameo being on Let's Sing and Dance for Comic Relief in 2017. Her appearance in Hollyoaks Later in 2009 remains a notable moment for fans.
Behind the Cameo: A Dream Sequence Duet
Tyler appeared in a dream sequence alongside Carmel McQueen, played by Gemma Merna. The pair performed a duet of Tyler's legendary song 'Holding Out for a Hero'. The episode aired on 2 October 2009. Tyler initially declined the role when approached for a previous series, but agreed when offered a musical part.
Speaking to PA at the time, Tyler admitted her anxiety about acting: 'They've asked me for a couple of years but I know I'm no actress. I'm comfortable singing in front of thousands of people but put me in a room where I have to act and it's so difficult for me. I'm like a fish out of water having to say any lines, which I did have to say. I was dying. But it worked out all right.' She added, 'I hope I don't cringe all the way through it. I probably will. When I watch any of my videos I could die!'
Impact on Co-Star
Actress Gemma Merna described working with Tyler as one of the most significant moments of her career. Speaking to Digital Spy, she said: 'It was just amazing. It was just a bit surreal. Obviously everyone was just like, 'Oh my God, Bonnie Tyler's here!' And we were behaving ourselves while she was there! It was the best day that I've had at Hollyoaks.'
Hollyoaks airs Mondays to Wednesdays from 6am on Channel 4's streaming platform, or catch episodes on E4.
