It is one of Manchester glitziest charity fundraisers, and an array of stars were out in jaw-dropping glamour at the Michael Josephson MBE ball. The event raised a staggering £760,000 on Saturday night at the Hilton Hotel on Deansgate.
The red carpet extravaganza brought together a host of famous faces, including former Corrie star Katie McGlynn, Manchester United legend Paul Schools, M People star Heather Small, screen icon Stephanie Beacham, and I'm a Celebrity King of the Jungle Christopher Biggins. In total 450 guests gathered at the Hilton Deansgate for the ball organised by passionate philanthropist Michael Josephson.
Hollyoaks siren Jen Metcalfe wowed in a crop top with slash front trousers as she headed to the ball to join her glam co-star Tamara Wall. Meanwhile there was a Dancing On Ice reunion as Jayne Torvil and Christopher Dean parties with former Corrie star and DOI winner Hayley Tamaddon with her former ice dance partner Daniel Whiston.
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West End star Bonnie Langford gave a surprise performance on the night wowing the crowds with a classic 1960s medly, while the finale saw a performance from Moving on Up chart-topper Heather Small who was in stunning form at the event. Click or swipe below for a full gallery of photos from the ball:-
Heather said it was an honour to headline the ball for her friend Michael after supporting his previous fundraising events. She said: "Michael is such a star. There’s so much warmth going on to raise an incredible amount of money and it’s beautiful to be a part of something so positive in a place I love."
Former Corrie and Hollyoaks star Katie rocked a stunning black ballgown with daring thigh split and diamante details for the event on Saturday night. And when Katie spotted Manchester United legend Paul Scholes at the ball couldn't resist heading over for a photo - as her dad is a massive fan!
She said that she'd actually invited her dad to come along to the ball and admitted he'd be green with envy knowing he'd missed the chance to meet his football icon.
Dynasty legend Stephanie Beacham, who has just returned to her role as Martha in Coronation Street, said she was excited to head to the ball for the first time after hearing all about it from her pal Biggins. The pals also teamed up on the night to donate an afternoon tea with the promise of "lots of showbiz gossip" for the winner.
Stephanie sashayed onto the stage with the classic Dynasty anthem playing in the background as she announced the surprise auction lot - and raised a massive £12,000 for it. Stephanie said: "I would like six people to come for tea at The Ritz with me" to huge whoops from the crowd.
She wore a seriously glamorous full length gown with diamante detail that she revealed she designed herself and that Strictly Come Dancing's expert costume designers had created for her.
Stephanie was delighted to catch up with ice dance legends Torvill and Dean on the night - but insisted she would not be persuaded to ever join the ITV skating show.
She laughed: "I would not mind the dancing but I don't like falling over anymore. I'm not too old for the dancing but I'm definitely too old for the falling over."
The night included a grand auction with a series of rare and coveted items. It featured donated lots like a 12-month membership to The Ivy, a unique artwork that sold for £105,000 and a rare Cullinan diamond from Boodles worth £50,000 that was sold as part of a full jewellery experience for £150,000 on the night.
The annual ball is now in its fifth year, and this year raised funds for Variety, The Children’s Charity, Oldham-based Mahdlo Youth Zone and The Rainbow Trust. The night was hosted by Happy Radio DJ Darren Proctor, and also featured performances from a Greatest Showman tribute, while dance troupe Frobacks wowed the crowd with a high energy dance medley.
Last year's event raised £750,000 and an emotional Michael revealed on the night he hadn't dared to hope that he could raise anywhere near that figure again.
But he actually smashed that total on the night to raise £760,000 for the 2022 event. He said: "It was a magical evening and beat all the monies I have previously raised at my Ball and a huge thanks to Julie Perry Events for making the night absolutely amazing and to all my wonderful guests and supporters."
He added that he's already booked next year's event for Saturday 11th November 2023.
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