Variety Celebrates the BBC with a Star-Studded Evening at the Variety Club Showbusiness Awards

Singer, actor, and presenter Amanda Holden hosted a night of celebration, entertainment, and exceptional talent at the London Hilton on Park Lane. Guests were treated to a three-course dinner alongside entertainment from acts including an 11-piece live band, Chickenshed theatre, Variety Ambassador Raquel Reno, and Variety Young Ambassador Dante Marvin.

Celebrities arrived to a red carpet outside the Hilton Hotel, where there was a buzz of excitement for the night ahead.

Creator of Mamma Mia, Judy Craymer, said, “I’m very excited to be here. I started my career in the ’70s and ’80s and to get an invite to the Variety Club Showbusiness Awards was a huge honour and I never managed it. But now, I am here and I’m getting an award, so it’s very thrilling. And the work that Variety does for improving children’s lives is phenomenal.”

Presenter Louise Minchin said, “Variety does incredible work for children and I’ve been supporting them for many years. It’s wonderful to be here again, especially as tonight we’re celebrating 100 years of the BBC. I’m really looking forward to seeing who’s won.”

Writer, presenter, and activist Katie Piper said, “It’s a real privilege to be here this evening. Variety’s a really fantastic charity. It’s been a difficult time for all charities, so it’s great for us all to be together and celebrating what they do, and to also have some fun and entertainment. I can’t wait to enjoy the evening.”

HRH Princess Beatrice presented Katherine Jenkins OBE with the first and only Variety Club ‘Duke of Edinburgh’ Gold Heart Award for National Excellence. Shortly before her death, Queen Elizabeth II granted Variety permission to issue this one-time award in memory of the late Duke of Edinburgh. Katherine received the award not only for her amazing singing talent, but also for her continuous charitable work.

Much-needed funds were raised for Variety Sunshine Coaches, which are specially adapted, accessible minibuses that cater for SEND schools and other non-profit organisations working with disabled and disadvantaged children and young people. Thanks to the generous donations of our guests, more children will be given opportunities to experience learning outside of the classroom.

Long-term supporter of Variety, Debbie McGee, said, “I have been working with Variety for the last 35 years. I’ve been to a lot of the places where they’re helping children and it’s just amazing. It’s just so easy: whenever Variety asks me to come, I’m there.”

Dr Ranj Singh said, “I’m a paediatrician so Variety to us is hugely important. They do amazing work and they’re celebrating 100 years of the BBC as well so it’s fantastic all round.”

Huge congratulations to our Variety Club Showbusiness Awards 2022 recipients:

Variety Club ‘Duke of Edinburgh’ Gold Heart Award 2022 for National Excellence: Katherine Jenkins OBE

Variety Club ‘Chief Barker’ Silver Heart Award 2022 for Outstanding Contribution to UK Arts: Anita Zabludowicz

Variety Club Silver Heart Award 2022 for Global Achievement in Cinema, Theatre and Music: Judy Craymer CBE

Variety Club Silver Heart Award 2022 for Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion in the Performing Arts: Chickenshed (Theatre Changing Lives)

Variety Club ‘Hello!’ Silver Heart Award 2022 for Outstanding New Talent: Molly Rainford

Variety Club Silver Heart Award 2022 for Exceptional Generosity in Philanthropy: Simon Cowell

Variety Club Silver Heart Award 2022 for Outstanding Contribution to Fashion to Bring Positive Change and Inclusion to the Catwalk and Beyond: Naomi Campbell

Variety Club Silver Heart Award 2022 for Outstanding Achievement in Musical Theatre: Beverley Knight MBE

Variety Club Silver Heart Award 2022 for Outstanding Achievement in Fashion Journalism: Edward Enninful OBE

Variety Club Silber Heart Award 2022 for Outstanding Contribution to UK Literature: Natalie Livingstone

Variety Club Silver Heart Award 2022 for Outstanding Contribution to Global Broadcasting: The BBC

Variety Club Silver Heart Award 2022 for Outstanding Achievement in Theatre and Music for ‘A Different Stage’: Gary Barlow OBE

Variety would like to thank Charlie Mullins OBE for his generous donation towards this event. We would also like to thank Julian Bird and his business partner, Nica Burns from Green Room Ents Ltd. for helping to organise the event.