Best man makes ultimate celebrity video instead of traditional speech

A best man in County Down filmed a ten-minute video of celebrities from around the world sending their best wishes to the bride and groom instead of writing a speech.

This video contains strong language.

Best man Stephen Henning came up with the idea for a more novel approach to the traditional speech earlier this year and embarked on an online campaign to target some celebrities. He began contacting celebrities via Twitter, asking them to follow him so he could message the stars with his request without his brother, the groom, finding out.

"I passed it off as a social media test for work, and luckily my family fell for it hook, line, and sinker," he told UTV.

The groom, Michael, said he had no idea his brother had been scheming to put together this best man's speech with a difference for the last six months. He said:

Stephen said it took a lot of persistence and chasing celebrities to get the video which was shown during the wedding reception at Galgorm on Friday, but that it all paid off when he saw the finished product.

The best man added:

While Michael and Victoria's wedding day is over, it has left Michael wondering what he will do if he ever is best man for Stephen, who says the challenge has now been set.

Michael added: "I have no idea how I could top that. I'd have to get an A-lister probably or have to pay a singer or somebody!"

Some of the celebrities on the video include:

• Comedian Chris O'Dowd

• TV Presenter Clare Balding

• Band Ash

• Comedian Ed Byrne

• Athlete Paula Radcliffe

• Comedians from Mrs Brown's Boys

• TV Presenter Eamonn Holmes

• Golfer Graeme McDowell

• Comedian John Bishop

• Rugby player Stephen Ferris

• Actor Alan Fletcher (better known as Neighbours' Dr Karl Kennedy)

• Manchester United defender Jonny Evans