The 75-year-old comedian and actor attempted to fight back tears as he appeared to cry at the start of the programme.
Crawford – who portrayed the original title role in The Phantom of the Opera – was co-hosting the ITV Christmas special with former cricketer Freddie Flintoff.
Flintoff introduced Crawford, saying: “Please welcome the one and only Michael Crawford.”
As Crawford walked onto stage, he got a huge response from the crowd and started crying.
“Quite the reception!” Flintoff said as Crawford exclaimed: “I’m crying already!”
He could be seen welling up as the audience cheered him on the British national treasure.
The Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em actor was mentoring seven celebrities – not from a musical theatre background – as they each took on a big show number.
Sir Tony Robinson, former athlete Denise Lewis OBE, BBC Radio 5 Live host Nicky Campbell, actress Sally Phillips, Coronation Street’s Lucy Fallon, Emmerdale fan favourite Michael Parr and Rebecca Front from The Thick Of It sang on programme.
Songs from the likes of Chicago, Evita and Guys and Dolls were sung by the famous faces.
They spent three weeks training and then performed in front of a live audience at the London Palladium.
Following their musical number on the stage, the audience had to vote for their favourite star performance.
Fallon, 22, was crowned the winner for her sensational rendition of Don’t Cry For Me Argentina from Evita.
All Star Musicals is available to watch on the ITV Hub.
Daily Express :: TV and Radio Feed
