Disabled singer's 'unforgettable' moment on Michael McIntyre's Big Show

A singer who unexpectedly found herself performing on a West End stage on a TV show has said the "unforgettable" experience has enabled her to support others with disabilities.

Ruthie O'Brien, who was born with a rare genetic condition which caused deafness, appeared as the 'Unexpected Star of the Show' on BBC One's Michael McIntyre's Big Show.

The University of Chester graduate said since her appearance she had received "the most uplifting and positive messages from people", with some sharing their own experiences and others with hearing difficulties coming forward to advice.

"It's been overwhelming but heart warming at the same time," she said.

Ruthie said she had also been to a number of schools to give talks about positive image and "celebrating your disability".

"I have done a lot more performances and hoping to get some other opportunities within TV – fingers crossed," she added.

Ruthie was born with Treacher-Collins syndrome, which caused deafness and left her lacking confidence during her time at school.

Treacher-Collins syndrome is a condition that affects the growth of a child's skull and facial bones.

She developed her love of music and singing after getting a cochlear implant at the age of eight, which – along with a bone-anchored hearing aid – made sound much clearer for her.

"Music was the one thing that just made me feel happy, it made me learn to listen and I had the confidence to sing which meant working harder to be able to sing and hear together but I never gave up," she said.

"I found my own way to overcome these battles, and I continue to do so."

Ruthie added that she was grateful for the support she received while studying there, saying it "gave me the strength and confidence to keep moving forward".

Ruthie thought she was on a tour of Covent Garden with her friend when she arrived at a fake London Underground station created at the Theatre Royal.

During the show, the fake scenery fell down to reveal a packed audience in the theatre for the TV show.

Ruthie, who was nominated to appear on the show by her family, sang Titanium by David Guetta featuring Sia, in front of the 2,000-strong audience.

"I had no idea what was going on and when it happened it was both shocking and exciting at the same time," she said.

Ruthie's former lecturer Kristian Rozells said: "As tutors, we were aware that Ruthie had hearing challenges, but this did not stop her from being able to sing with excellent intonation.

"She always interpreted the music with great stylistic awareness and sensitivity as a performer. I am very pleased to hear of her success."

You can Ruthie's appearance on Michael McIntyre's Big Show on BBC One via the BBCiPlayer.

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