Lockdown heroes surprised by Ant and Dec

PALS WHO HAVE HELPED 40,000 COMBAT LONELINESS WITH VIRTUAL PUB APPEAR ON HIT TV SHOW

BEST friends who have helped thousands combat loneliness in lockdown told of their ‘surreal’ experience after appearing on a hit TV show.

Lorraine Robinson and Neil Greenwood, from Oldham, were brought onto Saturday Night Takeaway as a special surprise to be rewarded for launching their virtual pub.

They were stunned when they were greeted by hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly on the series finale to say thank you for The Virtual Tavern, which has more than 40,000 regulars worldwide after being opened last March.

Travel consultant Lorraine and sales rep Neil, who have created a close online community on Facebook, were put forward to Saturday Night Takeaway by their friend Colin Manford, the younger brother of Salford comedian Jason Manford.

They were told by comic Colin that they were in London to make a documentary about loneliness so were amazed to be met by Ant and Dec.

Lorraine said: “It was surreal to see them in the flesh.

“I didn’t take it in at first that it was Ant and Dec and walking into the studio I didn’t know what it was. I just thought ‘I’ve seen this before.’”

She added: “We’ve always watched Gogglebox and I wondered if they’d be watching us on Gogglebox.”

The pals impressively kept their composure while answering questions to win prizes for their ‘Taverners’ who joined in the fun via video-links.

They played Catchphrase, sang with former X Factor finalist Fleur East and they took home a prize for themselves – a camper van which they can use to take their tavern on tour when lockdown lifts.

After the show they were up until 3am chatting online with their members, who live as far away as New Zealand and Australia.

Lorraine and Neil, who met through a business networking group, formed a bubble together when lockdown was announced because of the coronavirus pandemic.

A tavern was created in a shed in Neil’s garden and just a few weeks later they had 25,000 members joining them online for quizzes, karaoke, comedy and theme nights, bingo and live acts – all for free.

The tavern also has a singles lounge, a sports bar, student union and a Rainbow Room for the LGBT+ community.

Couples have formed in the tavern and Lorraine and Neil are hoping a wedding could be on the cards.

The friends took part in a mental health first aid course to provide support to those suffering in lockdown.

Lorraine said: “People have wanted to take their own lives and we’ve been up in the night chatting to them.”

And Neil added: “We had no idea the impact it would have and how far it would reach.”

The tavern, which has members in 76 countries, is open 24/7, and the pair have admin in Canada helping them.

Lorraine, 40, and Neil, 48, both celebrated their birthdays in the tavern.

Their dream is to one day open a Cheers-style bar after lockdown is over ‘where everybody knows your name.’