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Hollywood star Brian Cox, Love Island winner Paige Turley and the First Minister were among the big names who joined us in Glasgow tonight to celebrate our unsung heroes

Glasgow rolled out the red carpet this evening to celebrate Scotland’s remarkable unsung heroes with a touch of showbiz sparkle. A constellation of celebs from music, sports, and television world including Deputy First Minister John Swinney assembled at Glasgow Hilton to toast to our inspiring Pride of Scotland Award recipients.

Love Island breakout star Paige Turley was spotted looking stunning as she and Saint Phnx frontman Stevie Jukes took on interviewing duties, catching a moment with the glamorous attendees as they arrived.

Paige, who shone in her sparkly black sequin dress, expressed: “This is my absolutely favourite night of the year as the awards shine a light on people who have been doing so much for others but never seek any recognition.”

She further revealed her excitement about the event saying: “As a judge I already know the winners’ stories so meeting them in person is just brilliant. I love seeing their faces when the celebs come up and ask them for selfies.”, reports the Daily Record.

Stevie, equally dashing in his velvet jacket and dickie bow, commented: “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.”

He then reflected on the true stars of the night stating: “But what the unsung heroes don’t realise until they arrive at the awards is that they are the ones who leave the celebrities starstruck because their selfless achievements are far greater.”

The ceremony saw the likes of host Elaine C Smith, Scottish Gladiator Sheli McCoy – known as Sabre, cherished singer Susan Boyle, Eastenders icon Laurie Brett, Strictly sensation Dr Punam Krishan, Love Island’s Laura Anderson, and TV personalities Amy Irons and Jean Johansson lighting up the venue with their presence.

Hollywood heavyweight Brian Cox, Star Wars icon Denis Lawson, Game of Thrones veteran James Cosmo, football stars Billy Gilmour and Jack Butland, telly host Sanjeev Kohli, funnyman Al Murray, and DJ George Bowie donned their finest for the glitziest bash of the year – yet it was the unsung heroes who truly stole the show at the Pride of Scotland Awards, in partnership with P&O Cruises.

The ceremony honoured 12 remarkable individuals across eight categories, celebrating everything from extraordinary acts of courage to phenomenal charity fundraising efforts.

One of the loudest ovations of the evening was for Young Fundraiser Theo Hardie, aged seven, who embarked on a 100-mile run to fund his brother Jude’s wheelchair.

Theo was over the moon receiving his accolade from his idols, Rangers’ goalkeeper Jack Butland and Sheli McCoy, better known as Sabre the Gladiator.

Sheli expressed her admiration: “I was blown away by the love Theo has for his little brother and seeing them together just melted my heart. The bond they have is incredible.”

Special Recognition awardees Asiyah and Jawad Javed were thrilled to rub shoulders with Succession star Brian Cox, who commended the couple for their invaluable community service. Brian praised their efforts, saying: “What an amazing display of community spirit.”

Stewart Miller, who won the Outstanding Bravery award for his daring rescue of a woman from the River Tay during a deadly storm, was presented his trophy by his favourite comedian, Al Murray.

His loyal pooch Troy, who sounded the alarm over a woman in danger, was honoured with a special bravery dog tag. Al stated: “Stewart is such a worthy winner – jumping to the rescue without any regard for his own safety and if Troy hadn’t been there he might not have noticed her plight.”

Dunfermline shop workers Bob Bell, Cheryl Gourlay, Aisha and Usman Javid, who confronted an armed robber, shared giggles on stage with the cast of BBC’s popular show Scots Squad.

Napoli and Scotland football ace Billy Gilmour gave Teenager of Courage Georgie Hyslop, 16, a fantastic surprise, acknowledging her efforts to raise more than £51,000 for charity amidst her personal battle with cancer.

Billy, touted as one of Scotland’s finest on the pitch, commented: “Georgie is an inspiration. Such a strong and selfless person who always puts others before herself.”

A joyous highlight of the evening came when the Ups and Downs – winners of the PandO Cruises Inspiration Award – gave a stirring rendition of ‘This is Me’ from The Greatest Showman.

The drama group for youngsters with Down’s Syndrome and their siblings leapt up in exhilaration as they received their honour from Strictly’s Dr Punam Krishan, crooner Nathan Evans, and Corrie’s Liam Bairstow.

Nathan remarked: “The Ups and Downs were amazing. When they sang everyone in the room got goosebumps. They are pure joy to watch. I had a lump in my throat.”

Laura Young, dubbed the “Vape Crusader” for her pivotal role in advocating for a ban on the sale of disposable vapes in Scotland, was celebrated with a Special Recognition award.

Coastguard winch paramedic Norman Macleod, who heroically descended onto a ship amidst storms to aid two severely injured sailors, was thrilled to be honoured by JJ Chalmers. The Invictus Games and Strictly Come Dancing celebrity expressed his admiration, saying: “I’m in awe of Norman’s composure under pressure.”

King’s Trust Young Achievers Ashleigh Lancaster, 28, battling past domestic abuse to educate front line workers on mental health, and Shane Lee, 26, an autistic individual who landed his dream role at Marks & Spencer, received well-deserved accolades.

Ashleigh’s support dog Blu was recognised with a special tag, becoming the second canine to receive such an honour. Jean Johansson delivered a heartfelt homage to the Speirs family, Special Recognition awardees, who have created a network of holiday homes and flats in their son Calum’s memory, aiding over 3000 families of children with cancer.

The A Place in the Sun host praised the family’s remarkable achievements, stating: “This incredible family has achieved so much in memory of the wonderful Calum.”

One of the evening’s most touching tributes came from Lorraine Kelly, who honoured Scotland’s Champion Sir Chris Hoy via video link, remarking: “Chris is a giant of a man both in and out of the saddle. Speaking out about his cancer diagnosis has already saved lives.”

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Olly Rix, who plays Flynn Byron on the BBC medical drama, is rumored to be dating a co-star from the show, which he left Call the Midwife.

Olly Rix is said to be dating one of his Casualty co-stars. The speculation comes after it was previously rumoured last year that he had grown close to colleague Helen George, who plays his on-screen wife on Call the Midwife.

The actor, 40, is now rumoured to have grown close to Anna Chell, 28, since joining the BBC medical drama. Olly made his debut as Flynn Byron on Casualty this year, whilst Anna, who plays Jodie Whyte, has been in the cast since 2023.

The show’s co-stars are now said to have a “blossoming romance” while co-starring. According to the teaser, there may be “hints” of chemistry between them in scenes on Casualty starring their characters.

He is in a “good place,” according to a source who spoke to the Sun. Olly is currently in a really good place right now, according to them, after finding himself uncomfortably thrust into the spotlight toward the end of his time on Call the Midwife.

He was then “settled” into life on the show, they continued. They claimed that over the past year, he has quickly adapted to his new role on Casualty, found a new home in Cardiff, where the drama is shot, and is having a blossoming romance with Anna.

The source then made fun of the alleged romance. According to them, “Devotees of the drama will undoubtedly be analyzing their scenes together to see if there are any hints of chemistry between them,” assuming they haven’t already spotted any.”

Olly and Anna are said to have appeared in social media posts together recently. The outlet added that they were seen carving each another’s names into stone in content shared by him over the weekend on his Instagram page.

Olly made his acting debut on Casualty earlier this year in a March episode that was broadcast. Since then, his character Flynn has continued to appear on the show as a new clinical lead consultant at Holby City ED.

Olly joined cast members like Anna, who had already been on the show for two years. She made her first appearance as nursing recruit Jodie in April 2023, with her debuting alongside co-stars Barney Walsh and Sarah Seggari.

It was announced earlier this year that Olly moved from London to Cardiff to be closer to the BBC’s Roath Lock Studios, where most of the show is filmed. OK! magazine reported that he had been visited by loved ones and he shared: “Work is such a privilege and so much fun, and it can be profoundly pivotal and moving and revelatory, but it’s still just work. It’s not going to hold you at the end, so I know that friends and family are everything.”

Prior to joining the show, Olly played Matthew Aylward on Call the Midwife from 2021 until his exit last year. He was rumoured to have grown close to Helen, 41, who plays Trixie Aylward, at one point after both becoming single.

His connection to Helen previously attracted attention. A spokesperson for her had suggested it was just a friendship in 2023 though, prior to reports in September last year that she had joined a dating app after she ‘split’ from Olly.

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Following her cancer diagnosis, Jessie J underwent surgery to update fans. Jessica recently revealed that she had been “early breast cancer” and would have surgery.

Jessie took some pictures of the final two days and wrote, “Blood warning,” in addition. Some of the most sincere lows and highs of the last 48 hours are included in this post. Any journey I go through will always have both the positive and negative aspects.

Thankful to both my doctor and surgeon, all the nurses who came to see me, and all of my family and friends. I’m now at home to rest and await my results. Chanan is dressed as a nurse. No, he is not, but it’s funny to think about.

She continued, “We’re still hugging everyone right now, going through a difficult time.” This is universally accepted.

Jessie told the 80, 000 audience at the Summertime Ball that this would be her final performance before her surgery a few weekends ago when she gave a speech at the event. She stated, “This is my final show before I go to breast cancer.” You have no idea, so it’s so special to me. Being honest and expressing my feelings makes me feel so special to be from the UK.

“I’m so grateful for this life, for you guys, for my career, for my son,” I said before going to see the things that are so special. My parents and my spouse. My crew, my band, and my family.

She continued, “We are so lucky, we have so much to live for, so much joy, so much to do,” adding: “We are so lucky.”

In a video that was shared with online fans, Jessie made the announcement about her diagnosis. She explained to them, “I have early breast cancer. I’m holding on to the word “early” because cancer stinks in any way.

It’s a very dramatic way to work in a boob, they say. After my surgery, I’ll leave for a while before returning to my hometown with loud tits and more music. I merely desired to be transparent and to share it.

One, she said, “One, because I don’t talk about it enough, selfishly.” Because I’m working so hard, I’m not getting through it. I am aware of how much sharing in the past has helped me because other people have shared their love and support with me and also have their own stories.

I’m a book, open to all. That’s the part that kills me because it breaks my heart that so many people are going through so much worse and worse. Its timing was crazy but also beautiful, and it has given me an incredible perspective at this time. But to be honest, I need a hug and some reflection. You have supported me throughout all of my positive and negative experiences. And I’m not interested in this at all.

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