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Dirty Dancing couple have time of their lives
Elizabeth Hopkirk, Evening Standard08.11.07
The couple whose wedding day recreation of the famous scene from Dirty Dancing became a huge YouTube hit had the shock of their lives when they appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show.
James Derbyshire and Julia Boggio, from Wimbledon, were re-enacting the Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey routine from the Eighties film when Swayze appeared from the wings and joined in.
"The audience started screaming," said 33-year-old Ms Boggio. "I looked over James's shoulder and just froze on the spot while he carried on unaware. Then Patrick tapped James on the back and asked if he could cut in. I can remember screaming a lot and having my mouth frozen in a cry of surprise. He is an amazing dancer and so strong."
She and James only expected their wedding guests to download the video on YouTube but more than 2.6 million people have seen it. Since then they have been in demand on TV stations around the world.
When Winfrey decided to devote a whole programme to YouTube favourites, the "Dirty Dancing wedding couple" were top of her list.
Ms Boggio, a photographer, and Mr Derbyshire, 34, were flown to Chicago where they shared the green room with P Diddy, Britain's Got Talent winner Paul Potts, YouTube founders Chad Hurley and Steve Chen and Tyson the skateboarding dog.
Until now, Swayze has refused to speak about the role which made his name two decades ago. "We were so shocked that Patrick wanted to meet us," said Ms Boggio. "Oprah told us that he loved our dance and wanted to come on the show to surprise us."
After the success of his London stage debut in Guys And Dolls last year, Swayze is to return to star in Carousel - and plans to have dinner with Ms Boggio and Mr Derbyshire. The couple are currently in negotiations about presenting TV shows about love and romance.
The Oprah programme will be screened on Sky this year, but you can watch the moment when Patrick Swayze surprised James and Julia here:
Reader views (10)
What a kind and generous act of Patrick Swayze! It made me laugh with glee and warmed my heart. 'Hope that I can have a thrill like this before I kick the bucket!
- Patricia, Montgomery, AL, USA
I had an opportunity to meet Patrick several years ago through our mutual friend, Tom McNair, an incredible horseman who passed away last year. Tom was a horse whisperer and lover of Arabians. Patrick is a very warm, sensitive man, who makes everyone feel comfortable. His wife, Lisa, is also a beautiful woman, who shares Patrick's love and warmth. Buddy, good luck with your new endeavors. Hope they come to New Orleans sometimes! Would love to see you on stage.
- Charlotte Massey, Port Vincent, Louisiana
What an amazing actor and dancer! He is an unusual warm-hearted man and an honest soul.
- Kerstin, Dresden, Germany
This was a magical moment. I was sitting there with my mum in my pj's screaming at the tv, it made my day even though I wasn't Julia Boggio!
Julia was indeed a very lucky woman. Patrick will have sex appeal until the day he dies. Us girls love a man that can dance and he has the most amazing smile. Julia's husband seemed to enjoy his wee lift at the end of the dance as well.
- Emma, Edinburgh, Scotland
That has completely brightened my day. What a lovely surprie for them and very kind of Patrick to do it and Oprah to arrange it.
- S-M Hearmon, London, UK
I watched the Oprah show the day this aired. I actually cried because it was so sweet. Dirty Dancing is one of my favorite movies of all time! But Paul Potts was the real star of that show. I can't listen to him sing without tearing up. He's brilliant!
- Eileen, USA
Wow, what a dish eh and what a dance. One of my wishes in life is to meet a man who can dance and learn that routine with him, oh and then we could show off at our wedding too. Thanks for adding to my dreams.
- Helen Callaghan, Glasgow, Scotland
Ah, well! My favourite dance of all time, I never get tired of it. Great that this couple had the courage to take it on! And what a treat to see Patrick in his own element! Such a hunk!
- Susan Davis, Rogue River, Oregon, USA
I have watched the wedding video loads, it's great, how amazing to dance and have Patrick come on, oh my god, that's better than the wedding?
- Rene Warren, Tyne and Wear
I love watching people have a happy surprise like this. I am sure it really made their year! Good on you Patrick!
- John, Gamlinay, UK
