Rod Stewart surprises Brighton barber for The One Show

Peter Joannou, 54, was shocked when the star appeared during his show as part of a surprise organised by BBC TV's The One Show.

After Rod sneaked up behind Brighton’s Singing Barber, the pair shared a song before they embraced and had a chat as part of the surprise.

Peter, who sings from his balcony in Middle Street, Brighton, said: “I was singing and the next thing I knew someone was stood next to me. I looked over and there was Rod Stewart.

“He was very, very warm. It was like seeing an old mate, we had a chat and he was very friendly.

“He joked about why I didn’t sing one of his songs but only he can sing his songs properly.”

Peter and Rod share a hug following their performance (Image: Steve Taplin)

Rod interrupted Peter while he was singing Tony Bennett’s Stranger In Paradise.

Peter said while it looked as if he was holding it together, he was “very shocked”.

Peter was amazed that people were able to keep the secret from him for over four weeks, adding that he “should have got suspicious when they asked me to sing a Rod Stewart song”.

He praised Rod, saying: “He’s got an amazing range and such a unique voice.”

The Singing Barber has been entertaining shoppers for nearly nine years as he sings above his barber shop. As part of his shows, he sings a range of different songs from Elvis Presley to Matt Munro, who his latest show is based on.

Rod Stewart in his car at the Brighton Metropole where he stayed after the surprise (Image: Graham Franks Photography)

Peter has been recognised as part of The One Show’s One Big Thank You after continuing to sing despite having a heart attack during a show.

He added: “To see my friends and family on the big screen was very moving. It was a massive honour for people to have gone out of their way for it.”

Peter’s segment on The One Show will air on Thursday, November 3.