Actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, singer Sir Cliff Richard and showrunner Russell T Davies are among the stars who have paid tribute to Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler who has died aged 75.
Chicago star Zeta-Jones said her “heart is broken” after hearing that the Total Eclipse Of The Heart singer died on Wednesday night, while Sir Cliff, who sang a duet with her on the song Taking Control, grieved the loss of his “wonderful friend” in a Facebook post.
Zeta-Jones, 56, said Tyler was a big part of her life after marrying her cousin, Robert Sullivan, and shared a photograph of the pair together on Instagram which was taken the night before her wedding.
She said: “An extraordinary woman with vocals to match. A one of kind artist, who so easily could have been a comedian because she was one of the funniest people I ever met.
“Thank you Bonnie for the joy you brought so many. Sleep tight beautiful lady. We shall forever ‘Keep A Welcome In The Hillsides’ of Wales for you. Sending my love to Robert and the family.”
Sir Cliff added: “Bonnie’s infectious zest for life entertained so many around the world, and to be a good friend to all, including me.
“It is shocking news to wake up to this morning and I send my love to her family at this very sad time.”
Sir Rod Stewart said in a post on Instagram: “We shared similar styles of vocalizing. She was a good pal, a true soul stirrer. I sing It’s A Heartache every night on tour. I’ll miss you darling Bonnie.”
Meanwhile, Doctor Who showrunner Davies praised the “fabulous” singer who he “loved” since he was a teenager.
In a post shared on Instagram, he said: “I never met her, though I must’ve lived a mile or so from her house – and that house was the stuff of legend. She was adored.
“I loved her from the age of 13; that’s when Lost in France came out, and somehow, for a closeted gay teenager, all the sadness and longing of that song told my camp little heart: that’s what life is like. Plus, French men. I was hooked!”
He added: “I think it’s quite a Welsh thing to lose your accent when you leave home. But NOT BONNIE!
“My God, that magnificent Skewen rasp never buckled, and I think that says a lot about how strong she was. What a gorgeous girl. Night, cariad (darling). Thank you for the music.”
Liz Mitchell, the original lead singer of Boney M, said: “She burst onto the scene at exactly the same time as Boney M in the second half of the 1970s, and our paths crossed often, in TV studios and theatres across Europe.
“We became very good friends, and regularly met up for dinner over the following decades. She was a lovely person with a fantastic voice, and I’ll miss her very much.”
Welsh broadcaster Carol Vorderman remembered the “extraordinary” singer, whose real name was Gaynor Hopkins, in a video on Instagram and said she was regarded as a “legend”, particularly amongst women.
Vorderman said: “It’s difficult to explain if you don’t live in Wales that Bonnie represented something to us, and she will be very, very sorely missed.”
Rocker Bryan Adams, known for hits such as (Everything I Do) I Do It For You, remembered “dear Bonnie Tyler” in a post on X.
He wrote: “She had such a great voice and I’ll always be grateful of her beautiful version of Straight From The Heart. Thanks Bonnie. RIP.”
Tyler’s long-time guitarist Matt Prior remembered her as a “kind and caring lady”, and said the opportunity to work with her “changed the course of my life”.
He wrote a lengthy message on Instagram recounting his experiences with Tyler, calling her “a force of nature with an incredible voice responsible for worldwide iconic songs”.
Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth also paid tribute on X, saying he was “deeply saddened” by her death and that Wales “lost a true icon whose music brought joy to so many”.
Tyler, who represented the UK in the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest with the song Believe In Me, has also been remembered by the BBC Eurovision team, who said: “Bonnie was a music legend and we were truly honoured that such an iconic performer represented the UK.
“Behind the scenes she was humble, huge fun and very kind. She brought energy to the contest and was a joy to spend time with. We all have such fond memories.”
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