Elderly couple in their eighties who became TikTok superstars during lockdown tell GMB they will keep dancing ‘as long as they possibly can’
- Joseph, 88, and Sylvia Dolan, 82, from Doncaster, become TikTok superstars
- Elderly couple were filmed dancing by daughter Jackie Broadbent in living room
- Said she is ‘proud’ of her parents – adding comments have been ‘fabulous’
An elderly couple in their eighties who became TikTok superstars during lockdown have told how they will keep dancing ‘as long as they possibly can’ on Good Morning Britain.
Joseph, 88, and Sylvia Dolan, 82, from Doncaster, were filmed dancing in their living room by daughter Jackie Broadbent, 60 – and now have more that 120, 000 TikTok followers.
Explaining how it all came about, Joseph told presenters Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid today: ‘It was my great granddaughter actually. We were visiting her and she just says ” come on granddad let’s do this” – and we just got up and did it.’
A video of the couple dancing to Elvis’ song ‘Don’t be cruel’ has been viewed an impressive 8.4 million times.
‘Jackie, you must be such a proud daughter because it’s really touched everyone,’ said Piers, to which she replied: ‘Absolutely proud. We just can’t believe how much its gone viral all over. The comments from people are just absolutely fabulous.’
Joseph, 88, and Sylvia Dolan, 82, from Doncaster, were filmed dancing in their living room by daughter Jackie – and their videos have ‘ had more than 8 million views. Pictured, appearing on Good Morning Britain today
The couple, who have more than 120, 000 TikTok followers, have one video of them dancing to an Elvis song which has been viewed 8.4 million times (pictured, left)
Jackie had the idea to get them moving, when she became concerned they were not getting out and seeing people enough because of the pandemic.
In just a couple of weeks, nursing administrator Jackie’s TikTok channel featuring Joseph and Sylvia dancing in their home amassed more than 1.5million likes.
Susanna went on to say: ‘When we take a look back over the years of what got us through lockdown, I think TikTok and you guys will be up there.’
‘Promise one thing’, Piers said. ‘Are you going to keep dancing for us?’
‘As long as I possibly can,’ replied Joseph.
Piers Morgan asked the couple whether they’re going to keep dancing, to which Joseph replied: ‘As long as I possibly can’ (pictured)
Joseph explained how it all started when his great granddaughter was visiting and asked him to join in (pictured, together)
Joseph occasionally has to sit down because of a weak heart and Sylvia might not twist the way she used to because of osteoarthritis and breathing problems caused by COPD, but that doesn’t stop the pair throwing some shapes to their favourite songs.
‘They were getting really low during the first lockdown and they were just vegetating sitting there all day unable to go anywhere and barely seeing anyone,’ Jackie previously explained.
‘I knew I had to do something and they’ve both always loved a dance, so I started playing their favourite songs and got them up moving.
‘It’s been marvellous for them. It has really lifted their spirits and kept them positive.
Joseph, 88, and Sylvia Dolan, 82, (pictured) who live in Doncaster, Yorkshire, have become unlikely social media sensations
Jackie said Sylvia and Joseph (pictured) were getting really low during the first lockdown and she wanted to do something for them
Jackie said Joseph and Sylvia (pictured) can’t wait to do another little dance, when she goes to see them
Retired chef Joseph has always been a showman but wife Sylvia who is a retired tailor for Burtons takes a little more persuasion.
Jackie previously revealed: ‘Dad has always been a showman though. We went on a cruise a few years ago and he basically took over.
‘Every night he was up singing karaoke. By the end of the holiday everybody knew him. He came from a big family of singers so it’s obviously in his blood. I keep joking with him that it’s taken him until now to get famous.’
Their channel has seen them reach countries all over the world, and not only has it made the couple more positive, it has also cheered their followers up.
Jackie added: ‘I read them as many messages as possible, I can barely keep up with them. Every time I go down and see them, dad says he’ll sing for them live.
‘We’ve had people from all over the world contacting us. As far away as Australia, Siberia, Hawaii, Mexico. It’s been amazing.
‘We’ve had people telling us how much it’s lifted their moods, given them a reason to go to work that day.
‘Mum and dad have absolutely loved all of the comments they’ve been receiving.
‘The reaction to their videos has been overwhelming. The fact we’ve made people’s lives just that little bit better over the last few months has been amazing.’
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