A SINGING florist got the surprise of her life when she was stitched up by her family and appeared on a national TV show,

Laura Thornton, originally from South Marston , will appear on Michael McIntyre’s Big Show this Saturday as its weekly ‘Unexpected Star’.

Each week an ordinary member of the public with a talent is duped into appearing live onstage at the Drury Lane Theatre in London’s West End.

The 43-year-old, has always had a passion for singing and was thrust into the spotlight with the help of her husband John and brother Steven who orchestrated an elaborate hoax to get her onstage.

Laura, who runs Lechlade's Bloom Room, used to appear in bands Hotrox and Desire and now performs 40s and 50s numbers under the name, Delores.

After her singing talents were scouted online, Laura’s brother Steven took her to the theatre after he told her a friend of his, who worked there, wanted a bouquet and would give them a free tour in return.

“They had to really persuade me to go,” said Laura, “at first I was like, oh no, I don’t want to go to London and I really didn’t suspect a thing.

“When we got there we were waiting around for ages and then I was told to go down and open a door where my brother’s friend was waiting.”

Unbeknown to Laura, an audience of 2,000 people and comedian Michael McIntyre were waiting on the other side to surprise her.

“I opened the door and at first I thought it was a movie screen, I couldn’t see that much, just loads of faces, it was pure shock.

"I saw my brother stand up in the audience and my husband laughing away, I couldn't believe it when Michael said my name."

After her mammoth shock, Laura was sent off to have an intensive session with a vocal coach, before being kitted out in Great Gatsby inspired costume and makeup and performing Ella Fitzgerald’s Too Darn Hot with a troupe of dancers.

And Laura traded flowers for fame when she took to the stage for the glittering performance and met singing royalty Katherine Jenkins and Ronan Keating backstage.

“I can barely remember the performance, it’s a complete blur, but I’m really amazed that I was able to pull it off,” she said.

“Everyone worked so hard to pull the stunt off, all my friends and family knew, and none of them said a word, even my son Jack managed to keep it a secret which is a first and I am so proud of him.

“The whole experience was a dream come true for me because I love performing, it was simply magical.”

Tune in to watch Laura on The Big Show on BBC1 showing May 21 at 7.50pm.