As we emerge from lockdown, former Coronation Street star Kym Marsh says it feels even more special to be hosting the Pride of Manchester Awards in her home city.
TV favourite Kym is again hosting and taking pride of place on the judging panel at the third annual awards, which celebrate the city's unsung heroes.
The actress and Morning Live presenter, from Wigan, spoke about why the awards are all the more important.
"I always love doing these awards. It's always a real pleasure," she said.
"Obviously being in lockdown for so long and having not been able to be out and meet people in person, it's been quite a different experience.
"So it's actually lovely now that we're able to meet people and I feel like things are coming back to normal a little bit and these awards are such a great thing to be a part of."
She added: "Now more than ever we need to celebrate our heroes don't we? That's a really important thing to do.
"It's been very, very tough, well the last year certainly and even beyond that has been really difficult for everybody.
"So I think these awards are going to be even more special this year."
Asked about this year's winners, who go forward to the judging process for the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards, she beamed: "They are phenomenal.
"Honestly, if you asked me to choose one I couldn't. They all stood out for their own reasons.
"There are so many different stories.
"They're all just wonderful, and really worthy winners.
"It was really difficult as well because I was on the panel this year and it was so hard to choose.
"We had an impossible job really."
Reflecting on why Manchester is such a special city Kym, 44, who played Michelle Connor in Corrie from 2006 to 2019, said: "Because we're always united aren't we, no matter what happens.
"We're always united and we're always as one.
"I think we've shown that so many times over the years and particularly in recent years.
"I'm always so proud to be a part of Manchester and I'm proud of everybody in the city.
"I'm proud of the way people pull together - the camaraderie and spirit is what makes Manchester Manchester."
The COVID-safe show at Manchester’s Midland Hotel will be screened on YouTube at 7pm on Thursday.
