Jon Courtenay revealed Steps’ Faye Tozer used to work as his assistant when he first started his career as a comedy magician.
The pianist, 47, who became the first ever Golden Buzzer act to win Britain’s Got Talent in October, recalled when he had the singer, 45, step out on stage in an old lady costume, before switching into a leotard once she came out of a box.
Sharing the moment they reunited for the first time in 25 years, the champion said it was ‘funny’ seeing the artist join forces with host Stephen Mulhern to perform cheeky tricks again during rehearsals for this year’s Royal Variety Performance.
Secret past: Jon Courtenay (pictured last month at Royal Variety Performance) revealed Faye Tozer used to work as his assistant when he first started his career as a comedy magician
The media personality told The Mirror of their encounter: ‘I said ”I saw your rise to stardom 20 years ago – it just took me a bit longer.” I used to do comedy magic and I used Faye once.
‘It was a funny routine, she had to dress as a really old lady with a face mask and I threw her in the box. Inside she had a costume change and she came out in a leotard.
‘Then we turn up at the Royal Variety and Stephen Mulhern is doing a magic trick and who’s his assistant but Faye – and she’s being put back in a box again. We had a right laugh about that. I watched the rehearsal before I’d even had chance to say hello and she came off stage and said: ”This is all your fault Courtenay!”’
Old time pals: The pianist, 47, recalled when he had the singer (pictured last month), 45, step out on stage in an old lady costume, before switching into a leotard once she came out of a box
Behind-the-scenes: The Britain’s Got Talent champion said it was ‘funny’ seeing the artist join forces with host Stephen Mulhern (pictured) to perform tricks again during RVP rehearsals
During the show, which was filmed at the Blackpool Opera House in the Winter Gardens Complex last month, but aired on ITV on December 8, Jon delivered a special set, while the Strictly star hit the stage with her Steps co-members.
The 90s band – consisting of Faye, Claire Richards, Lisa Scott-Lee, Lee Latchford-Evans and Ian ‘H’ Watkins – split in 2001 after achieving 14 consecutive top 5 singles, and reaching Number One with three albums and three singles.
After a brief reunion in 2011, the group embarked on a sell-out 12 date arena tour and the releasing their fourth album, before going on hiatus.
Their new album What The Future Holds sees them reunite with writers including Fiona Bevan (One Direction, Lewis Capaldi), Ina Wroldsen (Shakira, Britney Spears) and Karl Twigg (who worked on their first three albums).
In their element: During the show, the Strictly star hit the stage with her Steps co-members Claire Richards, Lisa Scott-Lee, Lee Latchford-Evans and Ian ‘H’ Watkins
MailOnline has contacted Faye’s representatives for further comment.
Musician Jon beat runners-up Steve Royle and Sign Along With Us to the scoop the top prize on the ITV competition series back in October.
The entertainer will return to the series with an original festive song for Britain’s Got Talent: Christmas Spectacular, which will air on Christmas Day at 8pm on ITV.
Stars: The band split in 2001 after fourteen consecutive top 5 singles, sold over 20 million records and reached Number One with three albums and three singles (pictured in 1998)
Gushing over his successful stint, the TV star said at the time: ‘Just amazing, I can’t believe it. Listen, thank you. You don’t know how much this means.
‘You have changed my life, my family’s life. My mum, I can’t imagine how you’re coping right now. I hope you’re still alive!’
Jon not only bagged himself a slot at the coveted Royal Variety Performance but was also awarded a whopping £250,000 for winning the hit ITV show.
Incredible: The entertainer will return to Britain’s Got Talent with an original festive song for its Christmas Spectacular on Friday (pictured during the finale in October)