MEMBERS of a Basingstoke choir were involved in a flash mob surprise for one of the nation’s favourite broadcasters.

Rock Choir members from across the country, including several from the Basingstoke group, travelled to London on November 21 to surprise Radio 2’s Chris Evans outside BBC Broadcasting house.

Chris mentioned on the radio that he had never seen a flash mob before – so Rock Choir members decided to take action.

Within two days, Rock Choir had organised for 140 members to arrive in London at 7.45am, for a two-hour rehearsal, joined by television presenter and vocal coach Carrie Grant.

Glen Harvey, leader of Basingstoke Rock Choir, was given the task of stalling Chris as he left Broadcasting House, by asking for his autograph.

Rock Choir members then launched into song, performing ELO’s Mr Blue Sky to the DJ. Footage from the stunt was shown the same day on BBC’s The One Show.

Robbie Harling, a member of Basingstoke Rock Choir, left home at 5.30am to get to London in time for the rehearsal.

She said: “We entered the studios where you could look down through glass to where the news was being broadcast. We then walked past various props, including Doctor Who’s TARDIS, to a room where we were to rehearse.”

She said Carrie Grant chatted to members during the rehearsal, adding: “As Chris Evans emerged from his Radio 2 programme, we flash-mobbed him.

“Chris certainly embraced the whole event, throwing off his coat, and singing and dancing with us! We all had such an amazing and memorable day.”

Rachel Black, another Basingstoke member, said: “Chris was a terrific sport. He realised what was going on straight away and looked delighted!

“He danced around, conducted us and joined in, even when we stripped off our coats to reveal our Rock Choir T-shirts. He loved his ‘you’ve been flash mobbed’ badge, and Rock Choir certificate.”

Basingstoke Rock Choir member Carole Crame added: “We had to pretend to be tourists and were split into groups of two or three. When the music started we sang and strolled towards Chris to reveal our Rock Choir uniforms.

“Chris was genuinely surprised and joined in with his usual enthusiasm. The One Show production team were great and Carrie Grant was such a lovely person, and was happy to talk and have photos taken.”