29 January 1956

The American musician and music publisher was surprised by Eamonn in the audience at the BBC Television Theatre.
As a banjo player, Joe was much in demand during the 1920s and 1930s with the increasing popularity of dance bands in the UK - and his guests include bandleaders Bert Ambrose and Joe Loss.

9 December 1957

Victor - who won the first World Ballroom Dancing Championship in 1922, and later formed his own Ballroom Orchestra - was surprised by Eamonn outside the BBC Television Theatre.
His tribute ends with a group of dancers performing ballroom dance, while his son - Victor Jnr - conducts his orchestra.

26 January 1959

The musician and big band leader was surprised by Eamonn backstage at the BBC Television Theatre - while under the impression that the actor Robertson Hare was to be the subject.
Ted's tribute includes American band leader Al Starita, flown over specially from the US, and a recorded message from singer Nat King Cole.

7 December 1959

Eamonn interrupted a rehearsal of a forthcoming radio programme in the BBC Studios at 201 Piccadilly in central London to surprise the pianist who had recently achieved two number-one singles in the UK charts.
Among those greeting Russ, an unknown pub pianist just two years prior, are record producer Norman Newell and singer Joan Regan.

13 November 1961

Eamonn interrupted the theatre organist during a recording session at the Jubilee Studios in Hoxton, London.

Sandy - the BBC's resident organist since 1938 - was greeted by the writer Sir Compton Mackenzie on film and broadcaster Jean Metcalfe in person at the BBC Television Theatre.

29 January 1962

The founder and musical director of Luton Girls' Choir was surprised by Eamonn during a choir rehearsal.
Arthur's tribute, from the BBC Television Theatre includes an appearance from piano duo Maryan Rawicz and Walter Landauer.

31 October 1963

The pianist - who began to lose her sight at the age of 11, and was completely blind by her late teens - was surprised by Eamonn at Birmingham's Costa Green Studios.

7 May 1963

Eamonn surprised the musician and bandleader at London's Hammersmith Palais. In 1930, at the age of only 20, Joe was Britain's youngest bandleader, and by 1937 he was the biggest name in the world of big-band music.
Comedian Spike Milligan and music publisher Joe Brannelly are among Joe's guests.

8 January 1975

The Todmorden Brass Band assist Eamonn in surprising the Yorkshire-born musician, composer and arranger on the doorstep of his north London home.
Geoff - an arranger for many show business names - is greeted by actresses Diana Coupland and Beryl Reid in the studio, while pianist Gladys Mills and entertainer Frankie Vaughan send filmed tributes.

24 December 1975

For this special Christmas edition Thames Television's Euston Road Studios were transformed into a replica of Mrs Mill's own Leicestershire pub, and each guest brought the popular pianist a Christmas gift!
Among those paying tribute to Gladys - famous for her sing-along party tunes - are comedian Ted Rogers and musician and arranger  Geoff Love

1 December 1976

The musician, and bandleader of an all-female swing band, was surprised by Eamonn in a London recording studio. The Ivy Benson Band headlined variety theatres throughout the 1940s and 50s and became the BBC's resident house band.
Guests include fellow musician Joe Loss and comedians Arthur Askey and Hylda Baker.

20 April 1977

Another popular pianist was surprised by Eamonn - this time at the famous Chappell's music store in London's Bond Street.
Best known for his radio programme, Semprini Serenade, which began in 1957, Alberto is greeted by former This Is Your Life subjects, soprano Dame Eva Turner, singer Gracie Fields and actress Beryl Reid.

8 November 1978

The former nun who achieved international fame as a soprano and harpist - and influenced a generation of Irish female singers - was surprised by Eamonn at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu.
Mary's show, which was recorded at ITV's Southampton studios, includes tributes from singer Joan Baez, actress Joyce Grenfell and entertainer Val Doonican.

29 November 1978

The accordion playing Scottish musician, famous for recording traditional Scottish dance music, was surprised by Eamonn at Edinburgh's Caledonian Hotel during the presentation of a gold disc.
Jimmy's guests include fellow Scottish entertainers and former This Is Your Life subjects Andy Stewart, Jimmy Logan and Moira Anderson.

24 January 1979

Eamonn disguised himself as a busker, complete with false beard, to surprise the virtuoso flute player as he left a rehearsal session at Morley College in London.
James is one of the first flute players to establish an international career as a soloist, and his show includes a tribute from the principal conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic, Herbert von Karajan.

15 October 1980

Eamonn surprised his old friend at London's Portman Hotel, during a star-studded celebration of Joe's 50 years in showbusiness.
The programme - recorded at the Hotel - includes contributions and tributes from broadcaster Alan Whicker, comedian Spike Milligan, actress Dora Bryan and singer Vera Lynn.

6 March 1991

Despite being profoundly deaf since the age of 12, Evelyn achieved international fame as a virtuoso percussionist. Michael surprised her, with the help of music educator and writer Ann Rachlin, at Motherwell's Glencairn Primary School.
Among those paying tribute are renowned conductor Sir Georg Solti and HRH Princess Michael of Kent.

17 April 1991

The influential musician - known as the "King of Skiffle" - was surprised by Michael during a mock interview with disc jockey John Peel.
Many of the musicians who became famous in the 1960s, and who cite Lonnie as a major influence, form part of his tribute: including Adam Faith, David Essex, Roger Daltrey and Justin Hayward.

9 December 1992

Another influential musician – this time a guitarist – was surprised by Michael at a party thrown by magician Paul Daniels on a river boat, moored at Teddington Lock.
Among the guests paying tribute are musicians Eric Clapton, Brian May and Phil Collins.

11 May 1994

The Trinidadian musician - who led a highly popular Latin American orchestra - was surprised by Michael at London's Queen Elizabeth Hall following the recording of a BBC2 concert hosted by disc jockey David Jacobs.
Edmundo's show includes a tribute from Victor Silvester Jr and a message from Monaco's Prince Rainier.

20 March 2000

Laurie was Musical Director on Michael Parkinson's television chat show for many years, so it was appropriate that Michael surprised him while recording an edition of that programme. The pianist and composer has worked with almost everyone in showbusiness, and the range was evident on his show, with tributes from Dame Edna Everage, Cleo Laine, Kiri Te Kanawa and Elaine Paige.