The City of London was transformed into downtown Manhattan as Denise Van Outen and comedian Johnny Vegas recreated the dance sequence from musical Fame.

Leg warming up: Denise Van Outen and comedian Johnny Vegas brought a taste of Fame to the City

Backed by a troupe of nearly 1,000 lycra-clad dancers, the unlikely pair leapt and jigged around a New York yellow cab and American fire hydrants to the theme of the hit show.

Members of the public were invited to join the event, swelling the numbers of professional dancers packing Worship Street, near Liverpool Street station.

More pictures: Dancers recreate classic Fame scene

Comedian Vegas wore a neon green vest top and headband as he camped it up, slithering in the suds of the soapy bonnet of a car while Van Outen jumped from the door of a yellow cab to join the street party.

Vegas said: "I wouldn't call what I was doing dancing, it's a broad interpretation of rhythm. My style is a bit of pagan, a bit of spiritualism - I allowed the music to possess me.

"Fame isn't one of my favourite musicals because I'm envious that I can't dance. I see it as a weeper because it's what I could have been. It's not very glamorous when you're at college doing pottery, you don't randomly break into song."

But Vegas is certain his future lies on stage, he said: "Chicago's next. I think the West End will be beating my door down after seeing this so I'm going to take some time back, consider the roles on offer and possibly do a bit of work shopping with Richard Gere."

Van Outen said: "It's one of my favourite films, it's a real classic and because the 80s are having a comeback the outfits look great.

"I'm 35 and I can get the leg warmers out - I can still do it."

The stunt was organised by TV channel Turner Classic Movies as part of its 'Capture Your Classic' campaign, asking members of the public to re-make scenes from their favourite films.