October has been a month to remember. I’m still reflecting on the incredible evening at The Londoner Hotel in Leicester Square for the 2025 Variety Club Showbusiness Awards – a night that brought together the very best in entertainment to celebrate 70 years of ITV and raise vital funds for Variety, the Children’s Charity.

It was really amazing to see so many familiar faces from the world of television, theatre, music, film and sport all coming together for one purpose… to change the lives of children and young people who need our support the most.

Hosted brilliantly by Katie Piper and Mark Wright, the event was a reminder of the power of community, kindness, and the entertainment industry’s long-standing connection with philanthropy.

I’m so proud of the team at Variety, who worked tirelessly to deliver such an outstanding evening. Their dedication and creativity never fail to inspire me. Being Chief Barker is one of the greatest honours of my life, and nights like these remind me just how special this organisation is.

Among the many highlights of the night was seeing Sir Stephen Fry receive the Outstanding Contribution to Theatre and Film Award. His words about the importance of inclusion and love perfectly captured Variety’s mission, “It’s how you make those children feel involved in the world and part of the world, loved and accepted… Variety has proved that it really makes a difference.”

Ant and Dec were also celebrated with the Outstanding Contribution to Television Award, a fitting recognition of two national treasures whose humour, humility, and generosity continue to inspire.

We were deeply moved by Izzie, a Variety Young Ambassador and gold medal-winning judo champion with bilateral cerebral palsy, who shared how her wheelchair from Variety has transformed her life, “Without Variety, I wouldn’t be as independent as I am now… You’ve given me a new life.”

Moments like these remind us all why we do what we do.

Thanks to the generosity of everyone in the room, we raised an incredible £300,000 on the night, funds that will make an immediate and lasting difference to children and young people across the UK.

We also celebrated the enduring legacy of ITV, honoured with the Outstanding Contribution to British Broadcasting Award in recognition of seven decades of iconic programming.

The night saw many more well-deserved awards, including honours for Vernon Kay, Olly Murs, Jamie Wilson, Leah Williamson OBE, Zoe Aldcroft & The Red Roses, Vanessa Williams, Adam Hills MBE, and legends such as Petula Clark CBE, Lesley Joseph, William Roache OBE, and Barbara Knox MBE.

Every single recipient embodies the spirit of Variety; talent, compassion, and the desire to give back.

As I look back on October, I feel an enormous sense of gratitude. For the team who make it all possible, for the supporters who continue to show up with such generosity, and for the honour of serving as Chief Barker of this incredible charity.

Together, we are changing lives – and that’s something worth celebrating every single day.