Steps' Claire Richards surprises Norfolk bride Laura Ambrose

But for bride Laura Ambrose, she was overjoyed when her idol joined her for her special day. 

When the 38-year-old left her home in East Harling, near Thetford, to tie the knot with her husband at the family church, she knew it was going to be magical. 

But her special day was made even more remarkable when the Steps singer, Claire Richards made a surprise appearance via a video.

Mrs Ambrose, who has been a life-long fan of the star, described being so overwhelmed she burst into tears of happiness and did not know whether to sit or stand. 

She said: “I know some people might find it a bit naff, but for me it was the best surprise I ever could have had. 

“As soon as her image appeared on the screen, I burst into tears. It was just such a shock I couldn’t control myself.” 

James Ambrose, 33, an account director for a software firm, had been planning the surprise for weeks by contacting the beloved celebrity via Instagram. 

He said: “At one point I was messaging Claire while Laura was sat next to me, and I knew that she would have lost it if she’d known. 

“It was very surreal. Claire was just so lovely and accommodating – and recorded us a lovely video congratulating us.” 

Such a fan, Mrs Ambrose used to style herself on her idol and also had a Claire Richards themed hen-do featuring a life-sized cardboard cut-out of the singer. 

Guests at their wedding, which took place on April 4, also enjoyed dancing along to Steps chart hit ‘5, 6, 7, 8’ at the start of the night at the Norfolk Mead Hotel, Coltishall. 

Mrs Ambrose, who works at the East Harling bakery, added: "For me, this was just an amazing experience to have on our wedding day."