The Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards returned to screens on Thursday, hosting a star-studded audience in London for the first time since 2019 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The annual award show honours the nation's unsung heroes, with singing superstar Ed Sheeran surprising quadruple amputee Harmonie-Rose Allen - the winner of the Child of Courage Award - on the show.
Later in another heartwarming moment Ant and Dec surprised the winners of the Young Fundraiser Award, including 10-year-old Hughie Higginson from Lancashire who raised £220,00 for his cancer ward.
Happy: The Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards returned to screens on Thursday, with singing superstar Ed Sheeran surprising quadruple amputee Harmonie-Rose Allen in one of the stand out heartwarming moments
Host Carol Vorderman, 60, once again took the helm, but this year, for the first time in the show's 22-year history, she was joined by Diversity star Ashley Banjo, 33, who was recently revealed as her new co-host.
The ceremony kicked off with quadruple amputee Harmonie-Rose who won the Child of Courage Award for inspiring the nation with her courage and unbreakable spirit.
Harmonie lost her arms and legs after contracting meningitis as a baby and was surprised with a meeting with Ed who is one of her favourite singers.
Turning up at a special afternoon tea organised for her and her family Ed said: 'You must be Harmonie! We heard you like cakes so we laid this on for you, you are incredibly special and we want to show you how amazing you are.'
Famous faces: Later in another sweet moment Ant and Dec surprised the winners of the Young Fundraiser Award, including 10-year-old Hughie Higginson from Lancashire who raised £220,00 for his cancer ward
Stars: Host Carol Vorderman, 60, once again took the helm, but this year, for the first time in the show's 22-year history, she was joined by Diversity star Ashley Banjo, 33, who was recently revealed as her new co-host
The pair then sweetly sang the hitmaker's song Perfect on a karaoke machine together.
Afterwards Ed said: 'She is hugely deserving I think she is incredible!'
Harmonie-Rose added of the meeting: 'I was thinking 'is this really Ed', he was really kind and I just loved him so much.'
Simon Cowell presented her with the award and said: 'I want to say this is the most important award in the world, and you even sang the song better than Ed! So well done!'
Amazing: The ceremony kicked off with quadruple amputee Harmonie-Rose who won the Child of Courage Award for inspiring the nation with her courage and unbreakable spirit
Having fun: Harmonie lost her arms and legs after contracting meningitis as a baby and was surprised with a meeting with Ed who is one of her favourite singers
Alesha Dixon added: 'It's so amazing to meet you, you have such a zest for life and we can all learn so much from you we really can.'
Meanwhile Ant and Dec surprised the winners of the Young Fundraiser Award Hughie Higginson, 10, and Freddie Xavi, 11, from Lancashire.
In September 2020 Hughie was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and went on to raise £220,000 for his hospital cancer ward.
Thrilled: Simon Cowell presented her with the award and said: 'I want to say this is the most important award in the world, you even sang the song better than Ed! So well done!'
Beautiful: Surprising her at a special afternoon tea organised for her and her family Ed said: 'You must be Harmonie! We heard you like cakes so we laid this on for you, you are incredibly special and we want to show you how amazing you are'
He said of his experience: 'I was scared for all the medicine, my jaw hurt from all the treatment.'
He then realised that cold slushy drinks eased his aching jaw and decide to run 2k a day to raise money for the drinks to give out on his ward.
Geordie duo Ant and Dec set up jungle challenges for the pair as an adventure day out and surprised them on the day.
Award: Harmonie-Rose said of the meeting: 'I was thinking is this really Ed, he was really kind and I just loved him so much'
Walking into the centre they told the boys - who call themselves mini Ant and Dec - : 'Good to see you, we're best mates too and you are strong for each other, it's just what you do.'
'You are the young fundraisers of the year! Well done!'
Accepting the award Hughie sang his favourite KSI song and was then surprised by the singer on stage.
The Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards returned to screens on Thursday, hosted by Ashley and Carol.
Here they are! Meanwhile Ant and Dec surprised the winners of the Young Fundraiser Award Hughie Higginson, 10, and Freddie Xavi, 11, from Lancashire
Tough: In September 2020 Hughie was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and went on to raise £220,000 for his hospital cancer ward
Upon the announcement earlier this month, Ashley said: 'I feel like I've been a part of Pride of Britain for a few years now but the chance to co-host it next to Carol, who is a complete legend and a pro, is amazing.
'It's such a special show and a hugely emotional and inspiring night.'
While Carol said of Ashley: 'Ashley is a wonderful person and I'm delighted that he's joining me because he has been involved for a few years now and it just feels right.
'The Pride of Britain Awards are an incredibly special evening and show to be a part of.'
