Tears as Pride of Britain judges pick their winners from inspirational shortlist

There was hardly a dry eye in the house at Thursday's judging for the 2025 Daily Mirror ’s Pride of Britain Awards, in partnership with P&O Cruises, as a star-studded panel gathered to shine a light on the extraordinary feats of ordinary people.

Joining veteran hosts Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo were acting legend Michael Sheen, ex-Strictly professional Oti Mabuse, rapper Aitch and Coleen Rooney.

They were joined by Pride of Britain red carpet stalwarts Pete Wicks and GK Barry, Good Morning Britain star Kate Garraway, and Lioness champion Lucy Bronze.

READ MORE: American who moved to UK shares three words they never said until ditching States

READ MORE: Amanda Holden's daughter copies her mum's look as she wears white bikini on boat trip

“It’s going to be fun,” said Ashley ahead of the judging. “I’ve read up on all the shortlisted nominees but now I’m ready to hear what the other judges think. I really can’t pick.

"Me and Carol, we see people from this stage, we meet them, we give them their awards, and we usually see them afterwards, so we’re with them for their whole journey. And every one of them deserves to win.”

Newly recruited judge Coleen, who lost her beloved sister Rosie McCloughlin to a lifelong battle with Rett syndrome at the age of 14, said she was taken aback by how tough it was to pick just one inspirational winner from each category.

“It’s a privilege to be asked to be on the judging panel, and to hear so many amazing stories of inspirational people from all walks of life,” she said. “But I didn’t realise it would be this hard! Every one of the nominees deserves an award but just picking one or two from each category has been tough.

“But it’s been great hearing views from all round the table why they think certain people should be recognised.”

Coleen, who shares four sons with footballer husband Wayne Rooney, said she feels lucky to be involved in the Pride of Britain Awards.

“It’s a great event and it’s just fantastic to recognise the great work and courage and bravery that is around us,” she added.

And England star Lucy, fresh from the Lionesses' extraordinary Euros victory, told the Mirror: "It was amazing to hear the stories, the depth of the bravery we’ve heard about, and just to have a small part to play in the event, it’s such an honour. All the nominees merit acknowledgment.”

“All of the entrants tugged at my heartstrings,” said Carol, who is co-hosting this year’s awards ceremony for her 26th time. “But the children in particular are just incredible.”

Podcast host GK Barry said: “It’s my second year on the judge’s panel so I feel I’m getting more into it now. There were so many amazing people last year, it’s so difficult when it comes to picking someone. They’re all doing mental things, but I’m excited for this year’s batch of winners.”

Michael Sheen, who had to run for his curtain call in the West End, joked that there should be a special show dedicated just to all the nominees for the Lifetime Achievement award. “Every one of these people’s stories are amazing,” he added.

Hundreds of thousands of nominations had flooded in this year after Pete Wicks, GK Barry and Sam Thompson were sent on a mission to comb every inch of the UK to find the nation's unsung heroes.

The winners will be announced at this year's Pride of Britain Awards in a glittering ceremony televised on ITV later this autumn.