Southsea plasterer ends up as Michael McIntyre's Unexpected Star on prime time show

AARON Middleton thought there was something a little odd about being asked to come plaster a London theatre's walls in the evening, but a job's a job.
Aaron Middleton, from Southsea, who was the Unexpected Star on Michael McIntyre's Big Show on Saturday, April 28, 2016. Photographer: Gary Moyes BBC OneAaron Middleton, from Southsea, who was the Unexpected Star on Michael McIntyre's Big Show on Saturday, April 28, 2016. Photographer: Gary Moyes BBC One
Aaron Middleton, from Southsea, who was the Unexpected Star on Michael McIntyre's Big Show on Saturday, April 28, 2016. Photographer: Gary Moyes BBC One

But the wannabe rockstar had no idea it would end with him singing onstage to an audience of millions as part of superstar comic Michael McIntyre latest Saturday night show.

In the programme, Michael McIntyre’s Big Show, broadcast on BBC1 on Saturday night, Aaron found himself in the show’s regular Unexpected Star spot after being set up by his family, who know his love for playing music.

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The 31-year-old plasterer from Southsea had been asked by his brother Luke if he wanted to come up to the capital to do the job.

He said: ‘My brother’s normally very straight, he doesn’t lie’

‘The wall was a bit small, and I thought it was a bit weird to come all this way for this. Then this gentlemen came in and asked me if I could come and look at this other wall as well.

‘It had this picture of Michael McIntyre on the wall, so I had to take that off, but when I took it down, there was the real Michael McIntyre behind it.

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‘The next thing I knew, I was on a stage in front of 2,500 cheering people.

‘I was totally taken back, it was completely unexpected.

‘I was all scruffy, and there’s all these cameras in your face. I didn’t have a clue what was going on.’

After a quick chat with Michael in front of the audience, which included his parents – who were in on the surprise – Aaron was whisked backstage to get changed and for a run through of his big number.

At the end of the show Aaron came back to perform U2’s I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For, backed by a whole troupe of dancers.

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Aside from the day job Aaron plays in a rock band called Crown of Thieves, and the experience on the show has spurred him on.

‘This little opportunity has given me a kick up the backside,’ he added. ‘I hope I can use this to amplify what I’m doing with the band.’

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