Anne Hughes, the 72-year-old cleaner who became an unlikely internet sensation after a CCTV clip showed her being lifted into the air by shop shutters, has passed away, her family confirmed. Her brief moment of viral fame brought laughter to millions across the world.
Anne’s rise to global attention began in March 2024 when she arrived for her regular cleaning shift at a Best One store in Tonteg, Rhondda Cynon Taf. CCTV footage captured her coat getting caught in the shop’s shutters, lifting her off the ground while she clung to her shopping trolley. The video was later shared on TikTok, quickly amassing millions of views.
A reluctant but beloved viral star
Despite the sudden attention, Anne remained a reluctant star. She agreed to speak on camera only to BBC, sharing her experience with BBC Wales reporter Matt Murray.
Recalling the incident, Anne said she initially feared she would be lifted right up into the air and screamed for help until the shop owner heard her. She later joked about the moment, laughing at how her grandchildren teased her for holding on to her trolley throughout the ordeal.
The clip went on to feature across BBC platforms, with an Instagram post alone clocking more than 50 million views, turning Anne into an internet favourite almost overnight.
A mural and a lasting memory
Ten days after the video went viral, street artist Tee2Sugars painted a mural of the moment on the shop shutters where it happened. Anne later stood beside the artwork, calling it “beautiful,” though she remained modest about her newfound fame.
Friends and journalists who met her described Anne as warm, humorous and kind, more appreciative of flowers and handwritten cards than awards or online attention.
Family’s farewell
Anne’s granddaughter Lily informed BBC Wales of her passing just before Christmas, thanking the team for bringing joy into her grandmother’s life. “Thank you for making her smile,” she wrote.
Anne Hughes may never have sought fame, but in a moment of pure chance, she brought laughter and warmth to millions — a legacy her family has said she would have found both amusing and touching.