80s hearthrob sends video message to Sussex care worker after Shoreham musician covers his pop classic

Australian actor-cum-popstar Jason Donovan made a surprise appearance at the end of a video performance of his 1989 hit Too Many Broken Hearts, thanking a care worker for her life-saving work.

The cameo came at the end of a rendition by Shoreham musician David O'Connell, who has coordinated Songs for the Frontline - personalised covers of songs for frontline workers, recorded by Shoreham musicians.David was performing the song for care worker Maria Herrero, from Hove, who is still going to her job at care provider Carewatch despite being on crutches. After recording the song, David thought he would chance his arm by sending it to Jason's manager.

"She replied straight away saying she reckoned Jason would be up for putting a personal message at the end of the video," said David. "I had his message by the next day."

Jason, who became a household name during his time in Austrailian soap Neighbours, traded his technicolour dreamcoat for a navy blue fleece as he sent a video message for Maria from his home in lockdown.

"Thank you so much for requesting the song - it's a good song isn't it?" he said.

"Thank you so much for all you're doing at the moment, these are tough and very challenging times. Please, stay safe and look after yourself and lots and lots of love.

"Take care."

Maria has been a Jason Donovan for 35 years, David said, and the star's message had 'really cheered her up' during a difficult time.

He said he had been blown away when he received the video from Jason, who sadly did not provide any critical feedback on his rendition.

"It meant a lot that he could make the time for the project," he said.

"When I finished working on the video with his message included I just thought 'this is going to properly make someone's day' and that's what the project is all about really. That good memory will always be there amongst the not so good ones. Job done."

Unfortunately the 80s hearthrob's message was not sealed with a kiss.