PRESENTER Michael McIntyre made a joke about not being sure if Boltonian was a real word on his Saturday night Big Show.

But it certainly is – and one Bolton lass proved that there is no end to the talent this incredible town produces.

Bolton has certainly punched above its weight in terms of the number of stars who started life in the town, from Peter Kay to Sir Ian McKellen, over the past few decades. And there is no reason why singer Rachel Crowe can’t add herself to that list.

Rachel was invited to be the ‘unexpected star’ of Michael’s show – and she received praise from people across the nation after her performance.

Dozens of people took to Twitter to congratulate the 26-year-old on her performance of Jennifer Rush’s 1984 hit The Power of Love.

Many viewers said Rachel’s singing had ‘given them goosebumps’.

Others said the standard of the unexpected stars on Michael McIntyre’s Big Show trumped anyone on X Factor in recent years.

Meanwhile another Bolton lass will today embark on the next stage of a hugely successful career in entertainment.

Sara Cox presents her first Drivetime show on Radio 2 from 5pm.

Although Sara now lives down south to be near her work, she has never lost her Bolton roots – or accent. She’s a genuinely funny person and we wish her all the best in her new job.

Michael McIntyre said of Rachel’s performance: “It was amazing, wasn’t it ladies and gentlemen?

“She did fantastically well.

“Thank you so much for coming — well, you had no choice — but thank you for coming to the museum.

“You were sensational.”

Rachel, from Morris Green, was tricked into thinking she was visiting the made-up British Museum of Humanity in London.

She was subjected to several pranks, which ended with Michael jumping out of a sarcophagus dressed as Tutankhamun and announcing she would be the ‘unexpected star’ of the show.

Rachel said on Facebook after the show: “Dreams can come true! Thanks to the BBC and Michael McIntyre!”

She previously told the Bolton News: “I was made to feel a real star.

“It was incredible meeting Michael McIntyre, I really like him and he was so helpful.

“It was amazing to perform, it was brilliant, I never thought I would be singing on show like that.”

Rachel became an internet sensation last month after a video of her karaoke performance at Barristers Bar in Bradshawgate was seen by more than 2.5 million people.

During the programme, Michael McIntyre also made a joke about the term ‘Boltonian’ — asking if it’s ‘even a word’.

The episode also featured English comedian and television personality Alan Carr, English comedian and actress Kerry Godliman and Snow Patrol.

The programme was aired at 7.10pm on Saturday.