Stewart laps up the applause at tribute show

Rock legend Rod Stewart joined girlfriend Penny Lancaster and a star-studded audience in a standing ovation at the end of a new show dedicated to his music tonight.

The ageing rocker was greeted by cheers from the audience as he and Ms Lancaster danced and sang in the aisles at the climax of Tonight’s The Night at London’s Victoria Palace Theatre.

The star was joined by a glittering array of celebrity guests including Emma Thompson, David Baddiel, Hugh Laurie and Gaby Roslin as they sang along to hits including Sailing and Maggie May.

The show penned by Blackadder writer Ben Elton is about a young mechanic who sets of on the road to rock stardom after Stewart’s soul enters his body.

The charity gala performance was being held to raise money for Children in Need. Dozens of celebrities were expected to attend an after show party at the nearby Pacha night club.