An unusual phone call from an old showbiz friend led to a great night celebrating Gary and Dawn Barlow’s 10th wedding anniversary in Januray 2010.
“Gary called me," said Timmy, “and asked if I’d help him with a night to remember – get Dawn and Annie and me back on stage to recreate the the Top of the Pops dance sensation of the summer of 1990!"
It was the surprise of the night. The show had already seen performances from Jason Donovan, Ronan Keating, Alicia Dixon, Peter Kay, Michael McIntyre, Lulu, and Take That when the finale was the thrilling surprise for Dawn in front of her friends and family.
Timmy and Annie had a quick 10 minute rehearsal with two new Itsy Bitsy girls (Sophie and Sinead) in a secret bathroom, Dawn was given three minutes to refresh the routine without realising Annie and Timmy were going to be there. Then the group were reunited on stage to perform to a thrilled and cheering crowd of celebrity friends and family!
Timmy recalled how special the song had been in all their lives. “It was number one when Lynda and I married 20 years this year," said Timmy, “and how lovely it is to be here at your special 10th anniversary. And here’s a little gift…" as he presented Dawn and Gary with a Pinky Punky Mallet.
Timmy asked Dawn, moments after the show: “Did it come back to you Dawn?" “Like it was yesterday," a smiling Dawn replied!
Click here to listen to Timmy’s podcast of the night.
