Hundreds of fans line the streets of Bonnie Tyler’s hometown & sing Total Eclipse of the Heart ahead of funeral

HUNDREDS of fans lined the streets to pay their respects as icon Bonnie Tyler’s coffin was brought home. The Total Eclipse Of The Heart singer – famed for her husky voice – died from an illness following an operation. Members of the public arrived to pay their respects to the singer Credit: AP Fans threw flowers onto Bonnie’s coffin as it passed them Credit: AP Bonnie, who was born Gaynor Hopkins in Skewen in Port Albert, South Wales, was rushed to a hospital in Portugal with a perforated intestine in April. The singer was then placed in an induced coma after several days at Faro Hospital, before being taken to an intensive care ward. Sign up for the Showbiz newsletter Thank you! She later woke from the coma on June 15, but reportedly suffered a serious infection after the operation. Bonnie sadly passed away on July 8. Roads were closed to allow the procession to pass through the town Credit: AP A hearse carrying her body today departed William Pressdee Funeralcare in Mumbles, Swansea Credit: AP People lined the route the hearse would take to lay floral tributes to the icon Credit: Getty Hundreds of fans turned up to pay their respects Credit: Getty A hearse carrying her body today departed William Pressdee Funeralcare in Mumbles, Swansea, and headed for her home in Llwynderw, Swansea. Roads along the route were closed to allow the procession to pass through. Hundreds of fans lined Newton Road, along the route the hearse drove through the small town. The crowd burst into applause as a rendition of Total Eclipse Of The Heart was played. Most read in Showbiz Bonnie’s coffin was covered with the Welsh flag and accompanied by a framed photograph of the singer. Fans threw flowers onto the hearse as it drove down Newton Road. A celebration of Bonnie’s life will take place at Swansea Minster on Monday 17 August at 12 noon. It will be closed to the public with only friends, family and other invited people allowed to attend. The service will be streamed online and shown on a big screen in St David’s Square, however. Following the service, the singer will make a final journey through her hometown of Skewen at 1.20pm. Fans threw flowers onto the hearse as it drove down Newton Road Credit: Getty Bonnie reached global fame in 1983 with her chart-topping anthem Total Eclipse Of The Heart Credit: Reuters She will then be laid to rest in a strictly private family committal and farewell service. Swansea Council’s Deputy Leader Andrea Harrington said: “Our thoughts remain with Bonnie’s family and friends at this difficult time. “We know that many people across Swansea, Wales and much further afield will want the opportunity to pay their respects and celebrate her remarkable life and achievements. “We would ask everyone attending any part of the arrangements to do so respectfully, follow any instructions from stewards and police officers, and help ensure the occasion is a fitting tribute to one of Wales’ most loved performers.” A statement published on the singer’s website at the time of her death, read: “Bonnie’s family and team are heartbroken to announce that Bonnie unexpectedly passed away last night in hospital in Portugal as a result of the illness that she was being treated for. “We will issue a further statement shortly but for now ask for privacy to deal with this tragedy.” Legends from across the music world paid tribute to the 80s icon in the wake of the tragic news, including Sir Cliff Richard. Carol Vorderman shared an emotional Instagram video to pay tribute to Bonnie – dubbing her “extraordinary.” Bonnie initially rose to prominence in 1977 with her album The World Starts Tonight. But she reached global fame in 1983 with her chart-topping anthem Total Eclipse Of The Heart. The track was originally intended for iconic rocker Meat Loaf, but due to a dispute with his record label and issues with his voice, was given to Bonnie. It went on to sell six million records and become one of the best selling singles of all time. She then went on to achieve four more top- ten hits including It’s A Heartache and Holding Out For A Hero. Comment now