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Daily Record
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Pride of Scotland's top ten magical moments
We reveal our People's Oscar's most memorable moments as the nation's unsung heroes are honoured It was a night that had everything - even two dogs wearing tuxedos. The Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards with P&O Cruises saw a host of stars turn out to recognise the courage and selfless determination shown by the nation's unsung heroes. Hosted by Elaine C Smith and Sanjeev Kohli, the glittering event at Glasgow's Hilton was an uplifting showcase of everything that is good about Scotland. Celebrities including Succession star Brian Cox, Gladiator Sheli McCoy and footballers Billy Gilmour and Jack Butland were queuing up to sing the praises of the inspirational winners at our 'People's Oscars.' Here are ten of the most magical and memorable moments from the night. BGT finalist raising the roof Vinnie McKee opened the show with the rousing version of Proclaimers' hit 'I'm Gonna Be (500 miles) which earned him Simon Cowell's golden buzzer in the Britain's Got Talent auditions. The 29-year-old holiday park entertainer from Ruchazie, Glasgow, set the tone for the whole evening with his soulful and uplifting voice which had the audience on their feet. Vinnie said: 'Pride of Scotland was my first performance since the BGT final and getting a standing ovation is a moment I will never forget. 'It was such an honour and a privilege to open the show and I felt humbled to be asked to be part of such a special night.' Brian Cox saluting community heroes There were audible gasps when the Succession star nipped in to present Stenhousemuir shopkeepers Asiyah and Jawad Javid with their Special Recognition award. The couple who donated more than £100,000 of food and medical assistance to people in their community since the pandemic were left speechless when he surprised them on stage. The Hollywood actor, who is busy rehearsing for a new play in his hometown of Dundee, said: 'What an amazing couple. Scotland's sense of community is what keeps this nation great. This evening as always has been totally overwhelming and uplifting.' Ups & Downs steal the show The theatre group made up of young people with Down's Syndrome and their siblings brought an extra helping of joy to the night. After picking up the P&O Cruises Inspiration award from Corrie actor Liam Bairstow, Strictly star Dr Punam Krishan and singer Nathan Evans, the incredible group performed a spellbinding rendition of 'This is Me' from hit movie 'The Greatest Showman.' The enchanting group spent the rest of the evening hugging guests, signing autographs and spreading joy wherever they went thanks to their infectious personalities. Ellis Leggatt, from Ups and Downs said: 'It has been the best night ever. We are all so so happy and proud of what we have achieved.' Teenager of Courage gifted with a guitar Georgie Hyslop, 16, who is battling cancer but has channelled her energy into helping others despite her condition, is a massive fan of chart topper James Herriott. So her face was an absolute picture when he gifted her one of his Fender guitars in the press room after the awards. The teenager, who has raised more than £51,000 to help other cancer patients, was overcome with emotion when her musical hero surprised her. James, whose album 'Don't Tell the Dog,' got to number one in the UK charts said: 'Georgie is the strongest person I have ever met. She is the very definition of courage and being here to present her with her award is the least I can do.' Speirs family's Caribbean surprise Duncan, Caroline and Jenna Speirs who run Calum's Cabin - a charity that provides holidays for terminally ill children and their families - won a cruise in a surprise giveaway. The selfless family, who rarely have time to go on holiday, were dumbstruck when they were revealed as the winners of P&O Cruises incredible prize. The trio, who are off on a 14 night cruise around the Caribbean in November, can't wait to catch some winter son on the other side of the world. Caroline said: 'As if winning a Pride of Scotland Special Recognition award wasn't enough already… Duncan nearly had to pick me off the floor I was that shocked and overwhelmed.' Dogs in tuxes Last year there was a little pony in a kilt but on Monday night it was two dogs in tuxedos that were the talk of the red carpet. Troy the fox red golden retriever looked dapper in his dickie bow as he accompanied owner Stewart Miller, winner of the Outstanding Bravery award. Troy was presented with a special dog tag after aiding Stewart in the rescue of a woman who was drowning in the River Tay during a storm. Trainee assistance dog Blu, who belongs to King's Trust Young Achiever Ashleigh, was also sporting a jazzy tux and became a fan favourite with the guests. Gladiator Sabre hailing Young Fundraiser Sheli McCoy told seven-year-old Theo Hardie he was a real life Gladiator after running 100 miles to raise money for his little brother's wheelchair. The weightlifting champion said she had even come up with a name for him - 'Centurion' - as a nod to him completing his incredible fundraising challenge. Sheli said: 'Theo is a real life Gladiator - his strength, determination and empathy for others makes him a champion in my eyes. The bond he has with his gorgeous little brother is very special. He has the heart of a warrior and he is only seven.' First Minister honours Sir Chris Hoy Scotland's First Minister John Swinney hailing cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy as Scotland's Champion had everyone reaching for the tissues. The FM said the six time Olympic gold medallist, who is refusing to let his terminal cancer diagnosis get him down, is a legend both in and out of the saddle. Swinney said: 'Sir Chris is an absolute sporting legend who has achieved so much but then in the face of adversity has demonstrated the strength and resolve which is of course so characteristic of all of the Pride of Scotland winners.' Red carpet malfunction Love Island's Paige Turley stayed calm despite suffering from a wardrobe mishap in the taxi on the way to the event. The singer, who was hosting this year's Red Carpet Live alongside Stevie Jukes of Saint Phnx, gasped after discovering her long sequin gown had split at the bum. But Paige took it all in her stride and kept on talking while a member of the crew sewed her back into her dress. She said: 'It was my boyfriend who spotted the split. Thank goodness we got it fixed before folk started to arrive. Pride of Scotland is my favourite event of the year.' Grand Finale The inspirational show was rounded off with hosts Elaine C Smith and Sanjeev Kohli inviting all the winners to return to the stage. There was a cocophony of cheers and a ten minute standing ovation for the incredible unsung heroes, who continued to party with the stars into the wee small hours. Elaine C Smith said: 'These awards are a reminder to everyone that there is still so much good in the world with folk looking out for their neighbours and going above and beyond to help others in their communities. 'The room was filled to the rafters with 'angels' who are quietly making a massive difference to the world. Seeing them all together on the the stage at the end lifted my soul and warmed my heart.'
Daily Record
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
BGT finalist Vinnie McKee says his late brother will be with him in spirit when he takes to the stage tonight
The singer also reveals his joy at being asked to perform at this year's Pride of Scotland Awards HOLIDAY park bingo caller Vinnie McKee is one song away from being crowned the winner of this year's Britain's Got Talent. The 29-year-old from Glasgow's Ruchazie is hoping Scotland will get behind him when he takes to the stage in tonight's live final. And as he sings for the win Vinnie says his late brother Frankie, who passed away suddenly last year from a suspected irregular heartbeat will be there in spirit cheering him on. The caravan park entertainer, whose version of Proclaimers' hit 'I'm Gonna Be (500 miles) bagged him Simon Cowell's golden buzzer in his audition said: 'When I step on stage tonight my brother will be there with me and I will 100 per cent be singing for him. 'I felt Frankie beside me when I sang in the live semi-final. I spoke to him before I went on saying he better be on stage waiting for me as I could not walk out there myself and he was. 'Losing him has been devastating for my whole family. Last year was the worst time of our lives but BGT has given us all something to be excited about. It's been a bit of light at the end of a very long tunnel. Vinnie, who stormed into the final after winning the public vote in the semis, added: 'When I sang 500 Miles in my audition it was an ode to my brother and everything that has happened to our family. 'I didn't say that out loud at the time but I think everyone could feel and hear the emotion in my voice as I sang the words. 'My mum, dad, sister, aunt and uncle will all be in the audience tonight and Frankie will be with me on stage cheering me on. I want to make him, my family and Scotland proud.' Vinnie, who is set to perform at this year's Pride of Scotland Awards, will be joined in the final by LED dance crew The Blackouts, 11-year-old guitar prodigy Olly Pearson, ping pong dancing troupe Ping Pong Pang and comedian Joseph Charm. Singers Maya Giotea and Stacey Leadbeatter, the Hear Our Voice choir, nine-year-old gymnast Binita Chetry and drag queen singer Jasmine Rice are also in the race for the talent show crown. Although judges Alesha Dixon, Bruno Tonioli, Amanda Holden and Simon Cowell will be giving their opinion on each act, who wins will all come down to the public vote and Vinnie hopes Scotland will get behind him. If he is victorious the soulful singer will be the second Scot to win the hit ITV show - following in the footsteps of Jai McDowell who took top spot in 2011. Vinnie, whose semi final cover of Snow Patrol hit Chasing Cars wowed viewers, said: 'I am so proud to be flying the flag for Scotland and it would be amazing if the nation got behind me tonight and voted. 'I feel like I have already won as reaching a final is a huge achievement for a wee boy from the East End of Glasgow.' Vinnie admits his BGT journey is a world away from his day job at Thurston Manor holiday park near Edinburgh, where he runs kids' clubs and does the bingo calling and he's loving every minute. The performer, who would buy a retirement home for his parents Ann and Joe with the £250,000 prize money, said: 'When I started in the holiday parks, I really loved it. My dream was to be this singer who performs for people and gets them to listen to my own music, but the dream got further away over the years but now thanks to BGT is back and I'm living it. 'This is the biggest thing I have ever done and I have to pinch myself sometimes to make sure it is really happening. I'm used to singing in front of a room full of families in a caravan park and now I'm singing live in front of millions. 'After my audition the clip went viral on YouTube and the most crazy part was that I overtook Lady Gaga and Beyoncé on the trending list. A few celebrities have also been posting me on their social media too. It's just crazy.' The former St Andrews RC Secondary School pupil added: 'I went into my old high school last week and was able to tell the kids that no matter where they come from or what their background is they should never let go of their dreams because just look at me. 'I would never have imagined my dreams would have come true the way they have and hopefully it's only the beginning. 'It has inspired me to just go for it and make singing my full-time job. If I could do this every day for the rest of my life I would never retire. It's my passion and my dream.' Vinnie, who is planning to get into a studio soon and record some songs, says he will be forever indebted to Simon Cowell. The singer, who would love to do a collaboration with the Proclaimers, said: 'I'm chuffed to be Simon's first ever Scottish golden buzzer. I couldn't believe it when he pushed it and the confetti started raining down. He told me it was the best rendition of 500 Miles he had ever heard. 'During the audition I was trying not to look at the audience but I caught Simon's eye at one point and he was smiling. He was so lovely to me afterwards too. 'When I was standing on the stage in the semi-final and my VT was playing I looked down at the judges and Simon smiled at me and said, 'You've got this.' He also gave me the thumbs up. 'Knowing that he was rooting for me meant so much and I want to continue to make him proud as he took a chance on me and gave me the golden buzzer.' He added: 'I'm ready to give the performance of my life tonight so keep everything crossed for me. Bring it on! I've never been so prepared and I'm raring to go. 'I can't reveal what song I will be singing in the final but it's my twist on a classic by a well known band and I think folk should have their tissues at the ready.' Vinnie says he is also excited about performing at the Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards with P&O Cruises on June 23. He said: 'I am over the moon and thrilled to have been asked to sing at the Awards and celebrate the nation's unsung heroes. Knowing that I will also be performing in front of some of the biggest names in Scotland is just unreal. 'It will be my first performance back home after appearing in the BGT final and I will be singing the Proclaimers' classic that kicked it all off so it's going to be extra special. I can't wait.' - The Britain's Got Talent live final will be on ITV1 and ITVX tonight at 7pm
Wales Online
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
"I'm a Britain's Got Talent finalist and I don't think I've had more than £500 in my bank"
"I'm a Britain's Got Talent finalist and I don't think I've had more than £500 in my bank" Britain's Got Talent finalist Vinnie McKee is thinking about what the prize money could mean for him. BGT: Simon Cowell reveals he's 'a quarter Scottish' A finalist on Britain's Got Talent has opened up about what winning the show's grand prize of £250,000 would mean to him, revealing he's uncertain if he's ever had more than £500 in his account. Vinnie McKee stunned the panel during his audition for this season, leaving KSI, Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, and Alesha Dixon in awe with his voice. The Scottish singer performed a dynamic operatic rendition of The Proclaimers' I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles), eliciting such admiration from Simon that Vinnie earned the coveted Golden Buzzer, catapulting him directly into the live shows. Overwhelmed with emotion, he expressed: "Things like this don't happen to people like me." Currently employed at a holiday park, Vinnie is among the eight acts who, thanks to the public's vote, have clinched a spot in the final. In a recent interview, Vinnie discussed potential plans for the impressive £250,000 prize fund. He confessed he hadn't given it much thought, even joking he might "pass out" from the shock of winning. Article continues below Vinnie McKee on Britain's Got Talent In a conversation with Yahoo!, he disclosed: "I don't think I've had any more than £500 in my bank." The 30-year-old also discussed the challenging times his family has endured following his brother's passing and mentioned his parents' unwavering support. He added: "My mum is my best friend, and my dad is my best friend. We are such a close family. They're 70 this year. So I would probably get them a wee apartment so they don't have to use their pension to pay their rent anymore." Reflecting on the life-changing moment since he first stepped onto the Britain's Got Talent stage, Vinnie has described the variety show as "the most incredible experience in my life," also expressing: "I hope it never ends now." Vinnie is heading into the finals (Image: (Image: ITV) ) He continued: "Life is so short, my brother passed away last May and it broke the family a little bit." Vinnie reminisced about his mum's encouragement to audition for Britain's Got Talent following his brother's death, describing the Golden Buzzer moment as "a whole turnaround moment." Recalling the emotional experience during the show, he said: "When the confetti fell on stage, I looked up to the sky and I just thought to myself: 'Thanks for that.' He was watching me that day." Article continues below Britain's Got Talent airs on Saturday at 7pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
Indian Express
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Meghan Markle shares rare family photos in sweet tribute to Prince Harry on wedding anniversary
Meghan Markle is showering Prince Harry with love as the couple mark their wedding anniversary. On Monday, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex celebrated seven years of marriage, with Meghan taking to Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute. In a nostalgic post set to the audio of I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) by The Proclaimers duo, she posted a series of never-before-seen photos capturing their journey together. 'Seven years of marriage. A lifetime of stories,' Meghan wrote in a montage, which featured intimate moments from their relationship over the years. 'Thanks to all of you (whether by our side, or from afar) who have loved and supported us throughout our love story – we appreciate you. Happy anniversary!' she added, with a red heart emoji. The tribute offered rare glimpses into their private life, including photos of their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, as babies; adorable shots of the couple kissing; and a throwback to their 2018 royal wedding. It also traced their love story from their first meeting in 2016, with an early selfie in London and photos from private getaways to Botswana and Norway. Other highlights from the post include moments from their 2017 engagement shoot, behind-the-scenes shots from their royal wedding, images of their dogs, and personal mementoes like a sketch of Meghan's coat of arms. The montage also included: a 2018 trip to Norfolk, ultrasound images from Meghan's first pregnancy, a touching photo of Prince Harry cradling newborn Archie just after his birth in May 2019, and their official royal tours in Australia and Morocco before moving into their post-royal life. It also featured a picture of Meghan holding baby Lilibet in 2021, Harry standing beside her crib, and a heartwarming scene of Archie and Lilibet exchanging a kiss by a Christmas tree in 2022. The photo collection concluded with snapshots from family travels in 2023, a snowy embrace in 2024, and a beach day. See here: A post shared by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (@meghan) Prince Harry, now 40, and Meghan, 43, were married in a widely televised ceremony at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle on May 19, 2018. The event was attended by Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, and other senior royals, and watched by nearly 2 billion people worldwide. Their son, Prince Archie, was born in May 2019, just weeks before their first wedding anniversary. In January 2020, the couple announced their decision to step back from royal duties, a move finalised in 2021. They relocated to Meghan's home state of California and eventually settled in Montecito. Their family grew again in June 2021 with the birth of their daughter, Princess Lilibet.
Wales Online
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Meghan Markle gives wedding anniversary thanks to those who supported ‘our love story'
Meghan Markle gives wedding anniversary thanks to those who supported 'our love story' Meghan posted an image on Instagram of a notice board featuring a collection of snapshots of the couple from their private photo album, with the message: "Seven years of marriage. A lifetime of stories. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (Image: Steve Parsons -) The Duchess of Sussex has thanked those "who have loved and supported us throughout our love story", as she and the Duke of Sussex celebrated their seventh wedding anniversary. Meghan posted an image on Instagram of a notice board featuring a collection of snapshots of the couple from their private photo album, with the message: "Seven years of marriage. A lifetime of stories. "Thanks to all of you (whether by our side, or from afar) who have loved and supported us throughout our love story – we appreciate you." She added: "Happy anniversary!" followed by a red heart emoji. Among the images were numerous pictures of Meghan and Harry embracing, and one of the duke tenderly cradling the head of one of their children as a swaddled newborn. Article continues below There was also a baby scan labelled Archie, a photo of Archie kissing Lili on the forehead, as well as a number of notes including a central one in Meghan's handwriting reading "Our love story". The accompanying music was The Proclaimers' hit track I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles). Harry wed former Suits actress Meghan at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle on May 19 2018. Article continues below But the pair stepped away from the working monarchy less than two years later for a new life in the US. Meghan did not name any of the people she was thanking. Harry has faced a lengthy rift with his brother the Prince of Wales and an estrangement from his father the King, telling a recent BBC interview how Charles will not speak to him.
