10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Pride of Scotland hosts Elaine C Smith and Sanjeev Kohli are gearing up for the biggest night of the year
The comedy duo can't wait to celebrate Scotland's unsung heroes at our People's oscars.
With just one day to go until the Pride of Scotland Awards, hosts Elaine C Smith and Sanjeev Kohli are getting ready to "gie it laldy" for the nation's unsung heroes.
The comedy duo are taking the helm again at our People's Oscars and can't wait to give our inspirational 2025 winners a night they will remember forever.
Despite being two of the biggest names in Scottish showbiz both admit when it comes to Pride's incredible unsung heroes, they are the ones who are left starstruck.
Sanjeev, who is one of the standout stars of new Netflix hit Department Q, said: 'The Pride of Scotland Awards are massive and the number of big names who turn out to celebrate our nation's most inspiring people is phenomenal.
'But what the unsung heroes don't realise is that they are the ones who leave the celebrities starstruck because their selfless achievements are far greater.
'As a judge I already know their jaw-dropping stories of bravery and compassion so when you meet them in real life you can't help but be affected.
'They may have eyes like saucers when they see all the stars on the red carpet tomorrow night but mine will be the size of dinner plates when the winners join me and Elaine on stage.'
The Still Game star added: 'This will be my third year as host and it's the most fantastic and heart-warming and uplifting event in my calendar.
'I feel we owe it to all the winners to give them as good a night as possible - it's the least we can do after what they do so selflessly for others."
Sanjeev, who starred in BBC hit comedy Dinosaur, admitted he has lost count of all the stand-out moments over the years.
He said: 'Last year it was Wilson the miniature Shetland pony in a kilt that really got me. He was wearing two wee pairs of shoes from Build-A-Bear. I truly never thought I would see a pony wearing Converse.
'His adorable outfit aside - the work Wilson and his owners Elaine and John Sangster do at Therapy Ponies Scotland is incredible.
'Elaine said their wee horses sense when someone needs a boost. I think we should send a whole herd of horses into war zones as everyone would instantly drop their weapons.'
The former River City actor added: 'Another of the 2024 winners who struck a chord with me was John Aitchison, the firefighter who has helped set up the first fire service on Mount Everest.
'The world is getting more insular and intolerant. Just look at Trump deporting anyone who isn't American and then you have Scots guys like John going around the world saying humans are humans and it doesn't matter about the colour of your skin or DNA. That really speaks to me as the son of an immigrant.'
From acts of kindness and selfless bravery to raising millions for charity the Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards with P&O Cruises will salute the nation's unsung heroes.
A host of stars from the worlds of TV, film, music, sport and politics will descend on The Hilton Glasgow tomorrow night to honour the winners.
Rob C Nesbitt legend Elaine agrees with Sanjeev about it being one of the most uplifting nights of the year and an antidote to what is going on in the world right now.
The gran-of-two, who was given the Freedom of Glasgow earlier this year, said: 'Pride of Scotland brings the light in dark times.
'There are so many horrific and heartbreaking events happening in the world just now from the situation in the Middle East to the terrible aeroplane crash in India.
'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.
'I did a Sunday Mail column for many years and I used to include an 'Angel of the Week' section to highlight the ordinary Scots who are doing extraordinary things.
'The room tomorrow night will be full to the rafters with 'angels' who are quietly making a massive difference to the world which gladdens my soul and lifts my heart.'
She added: 'This is my fifth Pride and like Sanjeev said there have been so many magical moments but one of my all time favourites was in 2023 when the hard man of football Graeme Souness started crying on stage while talking about his hero – Isla Grist.
"The teenager has epidermolysis bullosa – a rare and painful skin disorder which causes her skin to burn and blister at the slightest touch. She inspired the football legend to swim the channel and raise £4.5million for drug trials – just incredible.
'Another standout came in 2022 when I spotted Lulu in the audience and started belting out the first few notes of Shout as a gag. Next thing I knew she was on stage singing her hit and getting everyone to join in - to this day I believe she only did it to stop me singing.
'Last year seeing wee Wilson trotting along the red carpet in his kilt will be something I will never forget - they really are awards like no other.'
Elaine, who became a gran for the second time last year, admitted the Children of Courage get her every year and paid tribute to 2022 winner Zac Gunn who passed away a few weeks ago.
She said: 'I have to gird my loins every year to stop myself from greetin.' The kids just melt my heart especially wee Zac who passed away this month just weeks after having a long-awaited lung transplant. I will never forget his huge grin when Paw Patrol came on stage and presented him with his award.
'That wee child fought so hard to live and his death is heartbreaking. My love goes out to his dad Gordon, mum Ashley and brother Jacob.'
Dad-of-three Sanjeev added: 'As a daddy the kids' stories have me in bits every time. Picking the winners from a shortlist is so tough and I feel so guilty - it's like someone telling me I have to pick a favourite child from my own three.
'It's truly astonishing what the Children and Teenagers of Courage bring to this world - such huge altruism from such little people.
'Maybe if adults channelled their less jaded and cynical attitude to life the world would be a better place. Most of these kids are suffering yet they still strive to support and raise funds for others. They are truly remarkable.'
We launched our search for our local heroes of 2025 back in January and were inundated with thousands of nominations from across the nation.
Categories include The Emergency Services Award, Teenager of Courage, Young Fundraiser, Outstanding Bravery, The King's Trust Young Achiever, Special Recognition and The P&O Cruises Inspiration Award.
One of the biggest names attending tomorrow night's glittering ceremony is Succession legend Brian Cox, who is getting ready to take the stage at the Dundee Rep in new play Make It Happen about the Bank of Scotland's role in the 2008 financial crash.
Other stars who will be honouring the winners include Sheli McCoy aka Sabre, singer Susan Boyle, Star Wars actor Denis Lawson, singers Nathan Evans, Calum Bowie and Cammy Barnes and Strictly's JJ Chalmers and Dr Punam Krishan.
Love Island's Paige Turley and Saint Phnx's Stevie Jukes will be going live from the red carpet and presenter Laura Anderson will be manning the Pride of Scotland bar.
First Minister John Swinney will also be there to celebrate the best of Scotland and there will be a performance from Britain's Got Talent finalist Vinnie McKee.
- The 2025 Pride of Scotland winners will be revealed in an 8-page pullout in tomorrow's Daily Record
- You can catch all the red carpet action on the Pride of Scotland Facebook, Instagram and YouTube page from 5.30pm tomorrow night
