TV prize shock after sons set up hard-working couple

Nov 1 2012 By Ian Russell

A Kilmarnock couple have appeared on TV show Surprise, Surprise.

And now Elizabeth and Gordon McIlwraith are planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip to China.

Elizabeth, 52, and Gordon, 56, were nominated by their sons for the popular ITV1 programme to mark a combined 70 years of service to the Brownies and Boys’ Brigade.

Host Holly Willoughby had shocked the pair four weeks ago when the show was filmed in London.

They had been taken to the capital by sons Stephen and David under the impression that they were being filmed for a show called ‘Best of British’. However this was a ploy by producers and they ended up being the stars of Surprise, Surprise instead!

Friends, family and members of the local Brownies were present at ITV’s London studios to witness the filming.

Elizabeth and Gordon are planning to take their memorable trip down the Yangtze River in 2013 and will board the Viking Emerald, which visits destinations including Shanghai.

Elizabeth, a classroom assistant at Annanhill Primary, said: “Our sons had known for months, and there had been filming with past and present Brownie and Boys’ Brigade members in Scotland beforehand.

“The trip, which we’re hoping to take next year, will be the first time we have been on holiday alone since our boys were born.”

Gordon added: “We invited all our friends and family to watch Sunday’s Surprise, Surprise episode at the Caprington Golf Club together. It was such an amazing night and no doubt the trip will be incredible.”

Wendy Atkin-Smith of Viking River Cruises UK, said: “It’s an honour to give such a deserving couple the chance to discover the fantastic delights of China.”