Once Upon a Smile annual Grand Ball brings the nation’s best loved TV stars together

Stars from the world of TV including the cast of Emmerdale, Coronation and Hollyoaks came together to show their support for the Manchester-based children’s bereavement charity - Once Upon a Smile - at its annual black tie grand ball, on Saturday 21st April.

The event, held at The Point, Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground, saw Amelia Williams, a very young talented singer (who is supported by Once Upon a Smile), express herself through music after the death of her father by performing a song by favourite artist Calum Scott, who then surprised her on stage to perform with her. There were several other surprises on the night including a new host, Once Upon a Smile patron BBC radio 1 presenter and Cold Feet actor Cel Spellman who took over from the legendary Vince Miller having announced his retirement from hosting duties last year.

The evening had a number of live acts performing including a show stopping opener by X-Factor rapper Honey G, followed Emmerdale’s very talented Isobel Steele, dance queen Angie Brown and closing the show were boyband Union J. At the exclusive after party, Capital DJ James Hall got the party started and then X-Factor favourite Jack and Joel performed a 40min set.

Charity co-founder Danny Miller, and star of Emmerdale said “This year’s ball was absolutely amazing, and we are completely overwhelmed with all the support we have received.

“The performances were just out of this world and I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room when Amelia performed – she was incredible. I can’t thank Calum enough for surprising Amelia and taking the time to come along tonight even though he is the middle of his UK & European tour.”

Once Upon a Smile was set up by actors Danny Miller and Daniel Jillings seven years ago after losing a friend, leaving behind a wife and young family. Seeing first-hand the lack of support available for families, like theirs, going through a bereavement who desperately needed financial and emotional support, the friends decided to set up the ‘Once Upon a Smile’ charity.

Most recently ‘Once Upon a Smile’ supported families affected by the horrific Manchester attack, and on the evening, Andrew Roussos whose daughter Saffie-Rose was the youngest child to die on the night gave a very powerful speech on how Once Upon a Smile has and continues to support his young son – Saffie-Rose’s brother.

Danny Jillings, actor and co-founder of Once Upon a Smile said: “The bravery and courage shown by Andrew was just completely overwhelming and everyone in the room was just full of compassion and admiration for him. Listening to people like Andrew talk so passionately about what we do is charity is just amazing and makes us so proud.”

For further information on Once Upon a Smile, please visit the website on https://www.onceuponasmile.org.uk/ or follow on Twitter - @sidley_ouas and Facebook - @ onceuponasmile

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