Elton John serenaded Holly Willoughby during a performance in Italy

Lucky girl

Elton John / Holly Willoughby
Author: Anna Sky MagliolaPublished 9th Jul 2019
Last updated 9th Jul 2019

This Morning presenter Holly Willoughby took time off from her day job yesterday, choosing to travel to Italy to see Elton John perform in concert on his 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road' tour. However, that wasn't all for the lucky TV presenter, who was serenaded to, by the 'Rocket Man' singer, who dedicated a song to her and her husband Dan. Not your average gig then!

Holly who couldn't contain her excitement, later took to Instagram to post several photos, including one of herself, with her husband Dan Baldwin and Elton John saying, 'What a weekend... huge thank you to @eltonjohn for putting on the most incredible concert in Lucca @luccasummerfestival #LSF19 ... Songs were sung, memories were made and dreams can true when Elton dedicated a song to Dan and I ❤️ thank you @bengibsonphoto for taking this picture! #eltonfarewelltour'. sic

Holly and Dan travelled to Lucca in Italy to see Elton perform ahead of their wedding anniversary, which they will celebrate on the 4th August.

Elton meanwhile continues his 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road' tour, which he brings to the UK next year, with dates at locations across the country, including London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Aberdeen, Glasgow and Leeds.

Speaking of the UK dates Elton John said, "The Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour will take us to many places that have meant a lot to me over the last fifty years, but these UK shows will be incredibly special. The UK is home, and where my heart will always be.

"To celebrate some of the incredible moments we’ve shared with my British fans over the years will be wonderful. These homecoming shows will be very emotional, and a lot of fun."

Tickets for Elton's UK dates are available now from Magic Tickets

Whilst Elton's busy on tour, the film Rocketman, a biopic about the iconic musician, has also been very popular in the cinema. Released in May, the film followed Elton's life in a 'true fantasy', on his journey to becoming a music icon. Rocketman saw the transformation from a shy piano prodigy Reginald Dwight into international superstar Elton John.

Now take a look at the cast of Rocketman:

Taron Egerton as Elton John

Welsh actor Taron Egerton played Elton John in the film about his life. Luckily, Taron is already an accomplished singer, so didn't need a lot of coaching on that aspect of taking on the role.


He's best known for his role as Gary "Eggsy" Unwin in both Kingsman and its sequel, The Golden Circle. He also had a role in Legend opposite Tom Hardy, and played the titular character in Eddie the Eagle opposite Hugh Jackman.

Jamie Bell as Bernie Taupin

Jamie Bell stars in the film as Bernie Taupin, Elton's songwriting partner. After meeting in 1967, the pair have now worked together on more than 30 albums.


Of course, film fans will recognise Jamie as the titular role in Billy Elliot, a film he starred in at the age of just 13. He also starred in 2005's King Kong, The Adventures of Tintin and Fantastic Four.

Richard Madden as John Reid

Richard Madden portrays Elton's long-time music manager and former lover, John Reid. Not only did he manage Elton for over 20 years, but he also spent three years looking after Queen in their early days.


Richard is known for his role as Sgt David Budd in Bodyguard, but rose to prominence after starring as Robb Stark in internationally-acclaimed TV series, Game Of Thrones. He has also had a career in theatre.

Bryce Dallas Howard as Sheila Eileen

Bryce Dallas Howard plays the role of Elton's mum, Sheila Eileen. Although she and Elton did not get on for a long time, they reconciled towards the end of her life, and she was a big part of his Christmas advert for M&S in 2018.


Bryce herself has the film industry in her blood, as she's the daughter of prolific film director Ron Howard. Although she's had many roles, she's known for playing Claire Dearing in the new Jurassic World reboot film series opposite Chris Pratt.

Stephen Graham as Dick James

Stephen Graham portrays Dick James in the film, a British music publisher who signed Elton to his label and encouraged him to use a stage name.


Fans of This Is England will recognise Stephen as Andrew "Combo" Gascoigne, but many others may know him as Tommy from 2000 film Snatch. He also joined the cast of Line Of Duty for the fifth series.

Gemma Jones as Ivy

Gemma Jones plays Ivy in the film, Elton's grandmother. In fact, it was Ivy's piano that Elton first learned to play on at the age of three. He was partly raised by her along with his mother as his father was away with the RAF.


Gemma has had a long and successful career in acting, and after playing Mrs Dashwood in Sense and Sensibility opposite Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet, starred as Bridget's mum Pam in the film series. She also played nurse Madame Pomfrey in the Harry Potter film franchise.

Tate Donovan as Doug Weston

Tate Donovan plays Doug Weston in Rocketman, the owner of nightclub The Troubadour in Los Angeles, California, which played an important role in making Elton's career a success.


Tate is a rather well-known actor, but younger audiences will recognise him as the voice of Hercules in the 1997 Disney film. Alternatively, Tate was memorable as Rachel Green's boyfriend Joshua in TV series, Friends. He also had a main role in Argo, starring and directed by Ben Affleck.

Don't forget, tickets to see Elton John on his 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road' tour are available to buy now from Magic Tickets.

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