Celebs prepared for an emotional night as they walked the red carpet at the MEN Pride of Manchester Awards 2023 with TSB. The annual awards, at Manchester's Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, celebrate the unsung heroes who have gone above and beyond to make a difference for others.
Among the stars recognising acts of bravery, long-lasting battles against the odds, or inspirational campaigning, were awards host Kym Marsh, former Coronation Street star Helen Flanagan, who is currently on our screens on I'm a Celebrity South Africa, fellow Corrie favourites Colson Smith, Ellie Leach who play couple Craig Tinker and Faye Windass, Victoria Ekanoye who played Angie Appleton and Will Mellor, who plays Weatherfield soap villain Harvey Gaskell.
Manchester United captain Harry Maguire beamed alongside his wife Fern Hawkins, Olympic swimmer Rebecca Adlington was all smiles with her husband Andy Parsons, new mum Hollyoaks star Jorgie Porter stepped out with her fiance Ollie Piotrowski and pregnant Strictly Come Dancing star Janette Manrara proudly showcased her growing baby bump in a gorgeous blush pink ruffle-detail dress as she was joined by her fellow former Strictly dancer hubby Aljaz Skorjanec for the occasion.
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Manchester's music scene was represented by famous faces including Peter Hook, Bez and Shaun Ryder. Shaun was recently seen returning to the jungle for the I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! spin-off to crown the reality show 'legend' from over the past 20 years.
There are eight awards to choose from at the Pride of Manchester Awards, including TSB Community Hero, the Emergency Services Award and Young Fundraiser of the Year. This year’s winners wereinvited to attend a lavish red carpet awards dinner, in front of an audience packed with famous faces from Manchester and beyond.
For Kym, 46, who played Corrie's Michelle Connor, there was an extra special reasons to be proud this year as her singer daughter Emilie 25, performed at the awards. Mother and daughter are currently on tour together on the Take That musical Greatest Days which comes to Manchester next week.
Kym, who has been hosting the awards since 2019, said ahead of the awards on the red carpet: "I'm so excited. It's just a wonderful night. I love coming here and celebrating the people of Manchester. it's going to be a great."
She added: "I struggle every year to hold it together but that's my job. There are so many inspiring people, it's a night to celebrate the people of Manchester."
Former Corrie co-star Helen sparkled in a fringed gold mini dress by designer to the stars Nadine Merabi. She said: "She's a Manchester designer and I love Nadine." Helen, 32, said about attending the awards: "I’m such a Manchester girl, I think I have been in Coronation Street since I was 9 so it’s really cool to come today and celebrate."
Colson, whose character Craig is going through heartache in the soap after his fiancee Faye's ex Jackson Hodge returned to the cobbles, said: "This is my first time at the Pride of Manchester Awards. I've brought some tissues just in case."
Corrie star Ellie Leach was at her first Pride of Manchester Awards. She said: "Im really really excited. I know it’s going to be an emotional one.
"I have never been to he Pride of Britain Awards before and I have always wanted to, so I'm super lucky to be here, particularly in my home town. The winners are all so deserving of their awards.”
Actor Will from Bredbury, who tore up the Strictly dancefloor in 2022 competing alongside Kym, told us about presenting an award: "It's always nice to come home. I've come three hours in the car and it's worth it. I've brought my mum to say well done to this person."
He added: "It’s important that we do this (the Pride of Manchester Awards). I represent the working class and I’m proud of that. We never had very much money. Never forget your roots and where you have come from. And whatever your dream is, go for it and believe it is possible.”
And Pride of Manchester judge Jsky, who lit up the red carpet in a metallic starry dress, said: "There are so incredible winners. The winners here tonight are so special. It's such a good night for Manchester."
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