Unknown singer stands in for Olly Murs at last-minute as Take That support in Glasgow

Daniel Rooney was playing at the Radisson hotel opposite the arena when news broke that Take That were without a support act. Photograph: danielrooney_music/Instagram

A Scottish singer has said he is “still on a high” after being plucked from obscurity to replace Olly Murs as the opening act for Take That at the last minute.

Murs was due to open for Take That at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow on Friday but had to pull out after getting stuck in London after his flight was cancelled.

The Scottish presenter Ross King was watching Daniel Rooney play at the Radisson hotel opposite the arena when news broke that Take That were without a support act.

Impressed with his vocals, King recommended Rooney to his friend and Take That frontman Gary Barlow to fill the slot, the Daily Record reported, with only 30 minutes to get to the venue.

Rooney later shared a series of images and videos of him performing on stage before 14,000 fans on Instagram , describing it as a “crazy night”.

“Hardly slept, still on a high from last night,” he added.

“Thanks for everyone’s lovely messages about the gig and all the support so far.”

He also thanked King for spotting him at the hotel and getting him to the venue, adding: “Craziest 30 minutes ever.”

Rooney added: “Also a big thanks to the takethat lads for calming me down before the show and talking setlist tunes. Absolute legends.”

Barlow praised Rooney for stepping up to the plate, writing “this young man saved the day thank you” on Instagram with a photo of the musician.

Fellow band member Mark Owen also gave a “huge thanks” to Rooney for helping them out at the show, which is part of their This Life tour.

Murs apologised for cancelling his performance at short notice on Friday after experiencing flight issues all day.

He said he had been at London Heathrow from 11am but after “several delays” and an incident with a cabin crew member the British Airways flight was cancelled.

“So sorry to everyone at the takethat show tonight in Glasgow, unfortunately I won’t be there,” Murs, 39, said on X, formerly Twitter.

“Don’t think I’ve ever missed a gig before, am so annoyed!

“But am now in a car heading up for our six-hour journey for the Saturday and Sunday shows right now.”

Murs had been updating fans throughout the day on Instagram story, sharing a video from inside the plane which was “stuck on the runway” before exiting and attempting to board another flight.

“I’m trying my best to get to Glasgow,” he said.

Murs later said: “Honestly, you couldn’t write this day.

“One of the cabin crew has fallen over and hurt herself … I hope she’s OK, but basically it has further delayed our flight. So we’re waiting for someone to come in to replace her.”

Murs described the wait as “so frustrating”, before announcing the flight and his show had been cancelled.

“I’m extremely gutted, I don’t think I’ve ever missed a gig that I can recall, especially of this magnitude.”

He later shared a video of himself being driven to Glasgow for his Saturday and Sunday performances.

A British Airways spokesperson said: “We’ve apologised to our customers for the disruption to their travel plans, which was caused by a technical issue with the aircraft.”