ITV’s Star Line-Up for Bigger and Better Text Santa
Published on 08 November 2013 09:30 AM
Ant & Dec, Phillip Schofield & Holly Willoughby and Christine Bleakley & Paddy McGuinness are today announced as the presenter line-up for Text Santa, ITV's annual charity appeal, broadcasting on Friday 20 December.
Each presenting duo hosts an all-star cast and presents their own special segments.
Stars of Coronation Street will perform a special version of "Fairytale of Weatherfield" accompanied by Shane MacGowan of The Pogues and there's a promise of more exclusive live performances by "very special, mystery guests".
Characters of Emmerdale will also appear in an exclusive sketch with a Text Santa twist and there's a unique edition of Take Me Out with older people looking for their perfect partner for Christmas.
Plus, celebrity messages and the cast of Big Reunion perform live and exclusive their cover of Wizzard's Classic hit: ‘I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday' all leading to a spectacular grand finale.
All profits from sales of the Big Reunion single go to Text Santa.
Text Santa is using its head for a special day of fund raising on Friday, December 20. "Hats on Display for ‘Hattitude Day'," is the message to anyone who joins in the fun by wearing a hat to work, college or school, and donating £1 to Text Santa.
Throughout the Text Santa entertainment extravaganza, there'll be emotional, true-life films from the UK-based charities that will share the funds that are raised - Age UK, Age Cymru, Age Scotland, Age NI; Barnardo's; BeatBullying; British Heart Foundation; CLIC Sargent and Help the Hospices.
Text Santa is more prominent than ever this year.
Major ITV programmes and stars are at the forefront of the fundraising and helping the public to be aware of the work of the charities.
Ant & Dec have helped design this year's special Text Santa Christmas Hats and Paul O'Grady has emerged from his hit ‘…For the Love of Dogs' series to design a hat for dogs.
These, and children's Text Santa hats, as well as a range of Text Santa merchandise will be available across the UK at Morrisons, one of the appeal partners.
Viewers will be able to make donations throughout the appeal via text; thanks to Text Santa partner Vodafone by using their JustTextGiving service, which ensures 100% of your donation goes directly to Text Santa and lets you add Gift Aid easily.
Vodafone will also be operating the landline technology on the night, and taking calls if viewers want to donate by phone.
Text Santa's banking partner, Santander will be getting behind the appeal by taking donations in their 1,200 branches as well as offering this year's ‘must have' Christmas accessory, the Text Santa character pin badges, Hollie, Rudy and Tinsel.
Donations can also be made online at .
Launched today is the Text Santa Fundraising pack which is available online at www.textsanta.co.uk.
It includes information on how to get involved, by showing your ‘Hattitude' while raising money for Text Santa, and helping the charities help someone near you.