A star-studded naming ceremony for a £750million cruise ship has had to be evacuated as heavy winds rock the quayside marquee - just one day before Storm Freya is set to batter the United Kingdom with 80mph gales.
The christening event for the MSC Bellissima was being held in a giant marquee next to the liner at Southampton when the decision was made to move the event on board.
The ceremony, being hosted by This Morning presenter Holly Willoughby, will see screen legend Sophia Loren perform the ribbon-cutting duties.
The christening event for the MSC Bellissima was being held in a giant marquee (pictured) next to the liner at Southampton when the decision was made to move the event on board
Sophia Loren at the naming ceremony of the MSC Bellissima. The cruise ship, the sixth largest in the world, was built at a cost of 1 billion US dollars (£752 million) in Saint Nazaire, France
The ceremony, being hosted by This Morning presenter Holly Willoughby, will see screen legend Sophia Loren perform the ribbon-cutting duties.
The MSC Bellissima, which is the largest cruise ship to be christened in the UK, is pictured after arriving in Southampton ahead of the naming ceremony
Guests were able to enjoy a performance by tenors Andrea and Matteo Bocelli and a show by Cirque du Soleil at Sea before the decision was made to move the event.
Also due to perform were R&B singer Craig David, disco star Nile Rodgers and soul singer Leee John.
It comes as gales of up to 80mph are set to batter the United Kingdom this weekend as Storm Freya is announced by the Met Office - just days after the nation enjoyed its hottest ever winter temperatures.
The ferocious weather will bring very strong winds up from the south west of England, major travel disruption and possibly dangerous conditions when it hits late on Sunday and lasting until early Monday morning.
Fashionista: She paired the number with a diamond necklace and aside from a diamond ring let her statement dress take centre stage
Also due to perform were R&B singer Craig David, disco star Nile Rodgers (seen during a photo call at the christening
