Celebrities who spent the night celebrating our incredible winners were later seen letting their hair down at the Mirror Pride of Britain awards.
After the glitzy ceremony, they enjoyed a champagne reception, took cheerful photos in our selfie booth then carried on the party at Grosvenor House’s Red Bar.
Among the celebrities enjoying themselves were Frank and Christine Lampard, who first met at the Mirror Pride of Britain Awards, with TSB, 13 years ago. Frank said the do was like an anniversary night out.
The Everton manager added: “It is just so important to be a part of that recognition for the winners.”
Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke swept into the selfie booth just in time before the inspirational stories made him cry.
He said: “It’s such an important event. Extraordinary people doing extraordinary things. It’s going to be a nightmare, there won’t be a dry hankie in the house.”
His Strictly colleague Shirley took to the booth with her actor boyfriend Danny Taylor, before heading on stage to share a hug with Child of Courage Elizabeth Soffe.
Shirley said: “I come every year. I clear my calendar to come here, I think it’s one of the most spectacular events of the year. It’s a moment, isn’t it, it’s just so beautiful and inspires me.”
Celebrity contestant Ellie Simmonds, who posed in our booth with dance partner Nikita Kuzmin, said: “Pride of Britain is so special. There’s so many worthy award winners and it’s always an emotional night. To be here and to celebrate them it’s just such a good night.”
Good Morning Britain host Susanna Reid said: “It is the most emotional, heart-bursting night of the year.”
Also posing in our silver booth was Dragon Duncan Bannatyne and his wife Nigora Whitehorn.
Duncan said: “It’s just so amazing to come and see people who have been so brave, real people doing fantastic things – the opposite of what celebrities do.”
Newly single Helen Flanagan was at the party with bestie and fellow soap star Brooke Vincent. Emily Atack was also among the acting talent. Peter Andre and children Junior and Princess stopped off for a picture before the ceremony.
Former England goalie David Seaman, at the party with his wife Frankie Poultney, said: “It’s recognising people who don’t normally get recognised. There’s heroes all over.”
Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley, Jess Phillips, said: “This night always makes me so proud to be British. It is the night where bravery and courage are spelled out in big, bold colours.”
After a torrid week in politics, her boss Sir Keir Starmer described the awards as an “absolutely “fantastic” experience.
He added: “When you think about the utter chaos of the last few weeks, this is about coming together and celebrating special people who have done really good things for others.”
