TV sensation wows residents as Mansfield housing development marks anniversary

A singing firefighter who performed on prime time television helped residents to celebrate the first birthday of a Mansfield housing development.
By The Newsroom
Published 18th Feb 2020, 11:13 BST
Updated 21st Feb 2020, 16:54 BST
Andy Quinn with (left to right) Connie Perry, Christine Wood, Mary Collin and Pauline Palmer.Andy Quinn with (left to right) Connie Perry, Christine Wood, Mary Collin and Pauline Palmer.
Andy Quinn with (left to right) Connie Perry, Christine Wood, Mary Collin and Pauline Palmer.

Andy Quinn, who works as a firefighter in Nottinghamshire, was the ‘Unexpected Star of the Show’ on Michael McIntyre’s Big Show in 2016.

On Monday, Andy performed hits by Elvis, Michael Bublé and songs from the shows for residents of Town View and their families. The event marked a year since the living scheme for over 55s on the site of the former general hospital, on West Hill Drive, officially opened.

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Andy became famous when he was tricked into being the ‘Unexpected Star’ on the BBC1 show by his wife, Emma, and some friends who were in on the secret. He had just an hour to rehearse Bring Him Home, from the musical Les Misérables, before performing in front of 2,500 people on the West End’s biggest stage at Drury Lane Theatre.

Andy’s appearance on the Saturday night TV show was watched by more than 6.5 million viewers in the UK and has since been aired in countries including Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. The YouTube video of the show has had over half a million hits and led to feedback from people from all over the world.

Coun Marion Bradshaw, portfolio holder for housing at Mansfield District Council, joined residents and their families for the celebration, which was timed to mark Valentine’s Day.She said: “It was an absolute pleasure to join the residents of Town View on such a special occasion and a brilliant time was had by all."I had been told that Andy was a good singer but didn’t realise just how good. His performance covered a variety of music and his vocal range has got to be heard to be believed. Let’s hope we can get him back to perform again."

Resident Pauline Palmer said: “Andy was absolutely marvellous. I hope he comes back again. I loved singing away to the songs.”

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Since his television appearance, Andy has released an album and continues to perform as a concert singer and guest soloist.He said: "I really enjoyed performing at Town View.

“It was great to see the audience singing along to their favourite songs and it was nice to have a bit of banter with them."

Related topics:MansfieldNottinghamshire