THREE female rowers with links to Hampton got a massive surprise earlier this week when American music icon Dolly Parton ambushed the trio in a live TV interview on BBC Breakfast.

Kat Cordiner and LEH alumni Charlotte Irving and Abby Johnson smashed the world record for rowing the Atlantic as a female trio last month.

They completed the gruelling 42-day row in a boat named the DOLLY PARTON in honour of the country star.

On Monday, the trio were special guests on the BBC breakfast sofa when presenter Dan Walker announced "We've got a little treat for you this morning."

Appearing onscreen via zoom, the superstar singer told the rowers: "It's the real Dolly Parton.

"I can honestly say that I am so flattered and so honoured that you would use me in any way to accomplish what you have accomplished.

"I just wanna say how proud of you I am - you are to be commended.

"Having my name associated with great girls like you is wonderful.

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have helped a lot of people."

The women were 'speechless' and on the brink of tears as Dolly paid tribute to their massive achievement.

As well as breaking the world record, the 3000-mile row raised over £65,000 for cancer charities - a cause close to the crew's heart as Kat is fighting cervical cancer.

You can watch the trio's heartwarming reaction HERE

Find out more about Team Extraoardinary on their website https://www.weareextraoardinary.com

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