A panto star was left stunned when his boyfriend surprised him with a proposal on-stage during the opening weekend of his Christmas run.
Lee Samuel, who plays Boabby Blumenthal in this year’s production of Beauty and the Beast at Beacon Arts Centre, was taking his final bow when boyfriend Lee Johnston appeared from behind the curtain and got down on one knee.
Lee Johnston popped the question in front of the packed theatre, with audience members cheering as Samuel said “yes”.
Mr Johnston worked with the panto’s director Beth Morton and the rest of the cast to plan the big moment.
“Lee had no idea I was at the pantomime on Sunday night – he thought I wasn’t coming until later in the run.
Supplied“I wanted the proposal to be special and to take him totally off guard, and I think I achieved that,” Mr Johnston said.
He added that he wanted the proposal to involve the stage as that is what his, now fiancé, was “born” to do.
“He loves it so much, which is why I decided to do it there.
“When I first met him I was in awe of him being an actor and being on stage.
“We both love panto and Christmas – it’s our favourite time of the year, so it just made sense,” he said.
Lee Samuels, 37, stars alongside Still Game favourites Jane McCarry and Mark Cox, as well as River City’s Jimmy Chisholm.
Lisa McRuvie, marketing manager at Beacon Arts Centre, said: “We were absolutely thrilled to help Lee organise the perfect proposal for our amazing panto cast member Lee Samuel.
“It was a magical moment for all involved and we are over the moon for the happy couple.
“Everyone at Beacon Arts Centre wishes them well for the future.”
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