Mel Giedroyc surprises shoppers at Bristol Marie Curie shop in support of Great Daffodil Appeal

Mel Giedroyc surprised shoppers on a rainy Bristol high street today (March 12) where she was collecting for Marie Curie.

The comedian, who is currently starring in new musical Starter for Ten at Bristol Old Vic, was collecting at the Marie Curie shop on Gloucester Road in aid of the end-of-life charity's Great Daffodil Appeal.

The charity’s flagship fundraiser helps raise much-needed funds for Marie Curie nurses and healthcare professionals.

Long-standing Marie Curie ambassador Giedroyc exclusively spoke to BristolWorld while collecting about supporting the appeal and how she is finding spending time in the city.

She said: "The Great Daffodil Appeal is iconic and is so much a part of what Marie Curie represents, I think. 

"It’s about that person in the street, it could be anyone, who is happy to give whatever they can and pin that tiny bit of hope on to their coat lapel.

"It’s a joy to be able to meet people who are putting money in the tin and thank them in person.  

"I was lucky enough to meet some Marie Curie nurses ten years ago and hear about what they do.

"Having met a Marie Curie nurse, I defy anyone not to prostrate themselves at their feet and pledge to do anything for them!

"These people are the very best of humanity. They are life-affirming and extraordinary. It’s great honour to be an ambassador for them."

Giedroyc also spoke to BristolWorld about starring in new musical Starter For Ten at Bristol Old Vic all this month, which she said is "going too fast!"

"I've had a brilliant reaction at the Bristol Old Vic (a theatre I had longed to play for years and years so being here is a dream come true) and full to bursting houses each performance," she said.

"A new musical is a huge operation to get off the ground, and telling this hilarious and touching Bristol Uni story in Bristol itself feels so right and so special.

"We’re having a blast! We’ve been welcomed here with open arms which is just amazing, really."

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On how she is finding Bristol so far, she added: "I’ve borrowed a bike and I’m going to try and get to as many parts of this wonderful city as I possibly can.

"I love the vibes. I love the cafes. I want to swim in the lido - that looks pretty incredible."

She continued: "The whole cast of Starter For Ten are hooked on this juice that's sold at a juice bar in the Food Market. It is MIRACULOUS.

"Singing eight shows a week you have to look after your voice a bit, and this juice has got turmeric, ginger, honey, chilli and other magical things. It’s called the Flu Buster. We have it every day with boiling hot water.

"It takes me back to the rave scene in 1988 - it’s that good.

"I am visiting places other than the juice bar, by the way. And I want to do some walking in the hills outside the city too. What a fabulous place!"