Music icon Chesney Hawkes spoke exclusively with the Mirror about how much the Pride of Britain Awards means to him, and why he wouldn’t miss the annual event ‘for the world’
Singer Chesney Hawkes is best known for belting out a ballad, but the Mirror was pleased to find that The One and Only icon is also a caring gent.
Appearing at tonight’s Pride of Britain Awards alongside his glamorous wife Kristina Hawkes, Chesney looked dapper in a tan suit as he took a moment to chat with us about what the ceremony means to him, and why it remains a must in his packed calendar.
It’s been a busy year for the 54 year old, who appeared in the 24th season of Celebrity Big Brother back in April. Still showing younger musicians how it’s done, Chesney also released his critically acclaimed album Living Arrows, some 34 years after the smash hit that made his name hit airwaves.
2026 looks set to be just as eventful for the music legend, who will be kicking off a nationwide tour in March. But there’s one night of the year that stands out as being particularly special for Chesney, who is of course well used to attending star-studded events, and he “would not miss it for the world”.
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Speaking exclusively with the Mirror, father of three Chesney reflected: “Do you know what, I go to a lot of these. There is a lot of award ceremonies throughout the year, which is amazing, that we all get to go to and celebrate some of the stuff we do in the business and get to wear flashy velvet jackets and things like that. But this is just something very different, isn’t it?
“What I love about this is that it’s the unsung heroes up and down the country that have just done something beautiful, you know, and that kind of beautiful human spirit. I’ve been to quite a few of these, and I would not miss it for the world if I could help it. I’m always so so happy to be here to support.”
Hosted by Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo, famous faces from all sorts of glamorous disciplines turned up in all their finery for the 26th year of the annual awards ceremony. But it’s the unsung heroes whose extraordinary accomplishments continue to inspire year after year who are the real stars.
Winners this year include fundraisers, campaigners, children who have overcome amazing odds and everyday heroes who have risked their own lives to save others.
Also sharing her love for the ceremony at the drinks reception was Jess Phillips, who told the Mirror: “It is always nice to feel positive. most of the time, most output in the country makes people feel a little bit bleak. so it is always good to celebrate. I wouldn’t carry on in politics if I didn’t think the world would change. Coming to events like this, actually the world can change on a micro and macro level.”
Make sure to keep up with all the action of the night here
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