Among the countless tributes paid to the legendary singer, Tina Turner, last night (24 May) was brought an emotional address from the cast of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical on the West End.
The audience that had gathered at Aldwych Theatre on Wednesday night to watch the hit musical learned just moments before the lights went down that Tina had sadly passed away.
The Queen of Rock and Roll, best known for hits like 'Simply The Best' and 'Proud Mary' was 83-years-old when she died 'peacefully' at her home on Wednesday, according to her publicist.
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A statement said: “With her, the world loses a music legend and a role model.
“With her music and her inexhaustible vitality, Tina Turner thrilled millions of fans and inspired many artists of subsequent generations.”
Tina, who was born Anna Mae Bullock, won eight Grammy Awards over the course of her career and earned herself a star on both the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the St Louis Walk of Fame. Her music legacy included ten studio albums, two live albums, two soundtracks, and five compilations, amounting to over 100 million record sales.
While the devastating news was a shock to millions of fans around the world, it was a particularly emotional moment for the cast and crew of Tina.
The Olivier Award-nominated show has been running in London's West End for the last five years and delighted fans of rock 'n' roll and musical theatre alike.
Taking to the stage that night, actress Kristina Love, who plays Tina announced the heartbreaking news to those who hadn't yet heard.
"We're here tonight because one woman boldly lived her life, from cotton fields to stardom," she can be heard saying in a video taken from the audience.
Fans in the crowd could be heard cheering Kristina on as she held back tears.
Speaking to Good Morning Britain after the show, audience members couldn't help but break down in tears as they remembered Turner, having just watched the music legend's life story play out on stage.
Later, the official Twitter page for Tina: The Tina Turner Musical issued its own statement.
It read: "We are deeply saddened to share the news that Tina Turner passed away yesterday.
"Tina Turner's contribution as an iconic music artist and performer, her influence on fellow artists and her inspiration to generations who followed her, is legendary.
"Through her life story and her music, Tina Turner inspired and taught so many people around the world to find strength from within. This is a loss that will be deeply felt.
"Tina: The Tina Turner Musical is a true celebration of this exceptional woman, and in our mourning we continue to celebrate her life, her talent and her joy."
Topics: Good Morning Britain, Celebrity, Music
Ali Condon