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East 17 singer surprises commuters at St Pancras

PA Media Tony Mortimer is sat at a black piano smiling at the camera, wearing a white puffer jacket with a furry white hood and surrounded by 10 members of the London Gospel Choir wearing white robes. A number of commuters are in the background smiling and holding their phonesPA Media
East 17 singer Tony Mortimer has surprised commuters at London's St Pancras station

East 17 singer Tony Mortimer has surprised commuters at London's St Pancras International station by performing the band's 1994 Christmas number one Stay Another Day.

Backed by the London Community Gospel Choir, the 54-year-old played the song, associated with the festive period due to its snowy video, on a piano donated by Andrew Lloyd Webber in the station's main arcade on Friday.

The London-born singer will partner with music therapy charity Nordoff and Robbins to donate £1 from each sale of a new vinyl single of Stay Another Day to its Christmas appeal.

The performance marked the song's 30th anniversary.

'Magical experience'

The station's pianos have seen performances from a number of stars throughout the years including Sir Elton John, Sir Rod Stewart and Alicia Keys.

Speaking after his performance, Mortimer said it was an "absolute honour" to follow in the footsteps of such artists.

He added: "Thirty years ago, I wrote a track that was very personal to me, and I can't believe I'm here still talking about it, performing it and seeing the public sing along to it every Christmas.

"It was a magical experience – thank you to everyone for your continuous support."

Made up of Mortimer, Brian Harvey, John Hendy, and Terry Coldwell, East 17 were formed in Walthamstow in 1991, and went on to achieve 11 UK top 10 singles and four UK top 10 albums.

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