“I couldn’t believe it when the postman rang the doorbell and handed over a parcel that contained the very jacket Jonathan Ross wore on the Masked Singer!”
Walsall disability campaigner and fundraiser Andy Brown is now the proud owner of the sparkly showstopper that caught his eye on episode one of the new season of the popular ITV show.
American singer and actress Dionne Warwick was unmasked as “Weather” on that episode of the show that also features TV presenter Davina McCall as a judge.
Andy, who has just celebrated his 60th birthday, had admired the jacket that the broadcaster, film critic, writer and producer – known as “Wossy” – was wearing and commented to his friend Salmena Hasood-Khan how much he liked it.
“It was a black jacket that shone when it caught the light and my carer Kevin and I thought it might be sequins or lurex thread but when it arrived it was actually rhinestones,” Andy, a former Nurse for elderly patients at Walsall Manor Hospital, explained.
“When I told Salmena how much I liked it she said she’d messaged Jonathan via twitter as she follows him and I’ll be honest I just thought “he’s a celebrity, you can’t expect a response.”
“When he replied to her, and she went on to tell him about my years of fundraising and the work I’ve done as Support Officer for the Black Country branch of the MS Society, he asked what size I was. He followed that up by saying he was having a clear out and wanted to send it to me.
“I offered to pay for the jacket but Jonathan wouldn’t hear of it – not even the postage and packing – so we agreed I’d make a donation to a charity of my choice. I have handed over £200 to Well Wishers, Walsall Healthcare’s charity.
“I am thrilled with the new addition to my wardrobe and definitely have a talking point! He also sent me a card saying Hi Andy! Enjoy the jacket!” And I certainly will.”
Andy, who is living with MS himself, used to perform regularly on stage wearing flamboyant costumes and was friends with the late Danny La Rue.
Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager, said: “We love this story and thank Jonathan Ross for indirectly boosting our charity’s funds.
“When Andy visited us today to hand the cash over we were able to see the jacket in all its glory and can reassure Jonathan it’s gone to a very good home!”