Daniel Mays moved BBC viewers to tears as he read a deeply personal letter from Gunner Lee Thornton, who died while serving in Iraq in 2006, at the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance. The annual tribute at the Royal Albert Hall honoured the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces, with the King and Queen in attendance.
Emotional reading at the Royal Albert Hall
The BBC Events Instagram account shared the actor's reading, adding: "Words that were never meant to be read aloud, but deserve to be heard. Daniel Mays shares Gunner Lee Thornton's letter at the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance, helping to keep his story alive."
Supporters flocked to the comments to praise the actor, with one writing: "So moving and so incredibly well read. Very humbling and the fact Daniel Mays barely needed to look down at the words shows his true dedication to do this justice, utterly incredible."
Viewers praise the actor's delivery
Another added, as reported by the Mirror: "Heartbreakingly tragic but thank God that Lee knew that kind of love in his life. Beautifully read by Daniel." A third chimed in: "Very, very poignant. You had memorised the letter. I noticed. Unbelievable. What a class act. God bless you."
Another fan noted: "He's so good, he's an incredible actor too, but this was more like it was him reading about a family, so moving and so emotionally challenging." A further comment read: "He delivered that with delicate emotion, passion and meaning. No one better to allow us to hear something so moving." One viewer shared: "So moving and must have been so hard to read those beautiful words - I was sobbing." A final fan added: "No-one better to read this than Daniel Mays. Beautifully done and a perfect tribute. God bless you, Lee Thornton."
The soldier's story
Gunner Thornton, 22, of the 12th Regiment Royal Artillery, died from injuries sustained in a shooting while on patrol in Al Qurna, north of Basra, Iraq. Despite treatment, the medical team were unable to save him.
As read by Mays, the letter said: "Hi babe, I don't know why I'm writing this, because I really hope that this letter doesn't get to you. Because if it does, that means I am dead. You have shown me what love is and what it feels like to be loved."
"You make me smile when others can't. You make me feel warm when I am cold. There is no sea or ocean that could stop my love for you. It is the biggest thing I have ever had."
"I know this is going to sound sad, but every night I spent away, I kept a photo of you on my headboard. Each night I would go to bed, kiss my fingers and then touch your face. Well, now it's my turn to watch over you as you sleep and to keep you safe in your dreams."
Mays' long-standing support
Mays has long supported the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance. In 2019, he described it as an "honour and a privilege" to deliver a reading at what he called a "moving ceremony of emotion and reflection that will live long in my memory".
The evening, hosted by Clive Myrie, also saw singer Alfie Boe take to the stage and leave audiences in tears. The night featured performances from James Emmanuel, Mica Paris, Rita Wilson and Tom Odell, alongside The Band of The Royal Air Force Regiment and The Bands of HM Royal Marines Portsmouth and Collingwood. The Festival of Remembrance is on BBC iPlayer.
