Michael McIntyre’s Big Show viewers were left in tears when the Unexpected Star of the Show shared his heartbreaking story.

Michael McIntyre’s Big Show viewers were moved to tears by Saturday’s Unexpected Star of the Show, Peter. Michael shared how Peter’s beloved wife, Sandra, had been receiving care in a hospice after being diagnosed with dementia.

Peter, 81, from Blackburn, had visited Sandra daily and sang at her bedside. His incredible voice prompted his family to nominate him to appear on the BBC show.

Michael surprised Peter by disguising the back of the theatre as a bowls shop. The host was there waiting for him and urged him to throw a bowl at the wall, causing it to fall and reveal the theatre audience.

A stunned Peter was aghast at the reveal and asked his family how they managed to keep it quiet. When Michael revealed he would be singing for the nation, Peter replied: “I don’t know what to say, but thank you. I have no choice, do I?”

Peter returned at the end of the show and performed an incredible rendition of Nat King Cole’s Smile.

Michael McIntyre surprised Peter in a fake bowls shop. (Image: BBC)

He said: “My wife always loved me singing. She gave me 58 years of marriage, three daughters, and I’ve known her for 62 years since we first met on a blind date.

“The sad thing is my wife hasn’t got long to live…I lean over her bed and sing. You know, you never lose your love.

“I love to sing, so why not use it for good?”

After the performance, Peter added: “If you listen to the words, it’s about giving people a lift. I know I have the closest person in my life who is down, and it gives a lift. So, hopefully, that has given a few people who were down a lift. Thank you.”

Michael McIntyre fans were moved to tears by the Unexpected Star of the Show. (Image: BBC)

Viewers were blown away by Peter’s incredible voice, with many being moved to tears.

One said: “I’m in pieces listening to Peter sing – one of best Unexpected Stars of the Show EVER!”

Another echoed: “Oh man that would bring a tear to a glass eye, well done Peter that was so emotional #michaelmcintyresbigshow.”

And a third penned: “Sobbing at the unexpected star of the show. The song, the reason for it, and the memories of Peter and his wife. What a core memory locked in for him and his family #MichaelMcintyresBigShow.”

Sadly, it was confirmed at the end of the show that Sandra died in between filming and the show airing.