Tyler: Acting makes me cringe

Former chart star Bonnie Tyler said she might struggle to watch her cameo in teen soap 'Hollyoaks' – because her acting makes her cringe.

The singer, who guest-stars in an episode of the E4 spin-off series 'Hollyoaks Later', initially turned down requests to appear in the show but was persuaded when she was given a singing role. The Welsh star said she also came under pressure from young relatives who are huge fans of the show.

Tyler, 58, said: “They’ve asked me for a couple of years but I know I’m no actress. I’m comfortable singing in front of thousands of people but put me in a room where I have to act and it’s so difficult for me.”

She was talked round by producer Bryan Kirkwood, who explained the role would mainly involve singing.

“I said, ok, that sounds ok. And my nieces and nephews love 'Hollyoaks'. They said you’ve got to do it. It’s such a great programme.”

The episode will see Tyler appear in a dream sequence to the character of Carmel McQueen, played by Gemma Merna, before the pair launch into a duet of the singer’s 1985 hit 'Holding Out For A Hero'.

Tyler explained she felt like a “fish out of water” having to deliver lines on set, but “it worked out all right”.

She added: “I hope I don’t cringe all the way through it. I probably will. When I watch any of my videos I could die.”

Swansea-born Tyler recently re-recorded a new version of her 1983 hit 'Total Eclipse Of The Heart' with Only Men Aloud!, winners of the BBC’s 'Last Choir Standing', which will be released on October 12.

The original song, which has sold more than six million copies, reached number one in the UK, USA, the Republic of Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

It made Tyler the first Welsh artist to reach the top of the US charts.

Other acts who have made cameos in episodes of 'Hollyoaks' and its spin-offs have included McFly and girl group The Saturdays.

Tyler’s appearance in 'Hollyoaks Later' will be aired on E4 on October 2.