Emmerdale stars demonstrated their musical talents and unwavering support for co-star Danny Miller at the Once Upon A Smile charity ball held at The Point at Emirates Old Trafford. The annual fundraising event supports families through bereavement and has become renowned for its exceptional entertainment and surprise performances.
Bradley Johnson, who portrays Vinny Dingle in the soap, kicked off the evening with an impressive performance with his band, The Trilogies. Known for their exquisite renditions of swing classics, the band members donned matching gold suits as they captivated the audience with their vocal harmonies. Johnson later joined forces with other Emmerdale co-stars in the soap’s long-running band, Somewhere near Hotten, a nod to one of the show’s fictional locations. Led by Dominic Brunt (Paddy Dingle) on bass, the band got the crowd dancing with their energetic performance. Katie Hill (Sarah Sugden) and Olivia Bromley (Dawn Taylor) added their vocal talents to the mix.
Katie Hill’s solo performance left the audience in awe, as she sang a poignant song while a moving video featuring individuals helped by the charity played in the background. The emotional performance highlighted the invaluable work Once Upon A Smile does in supporting bereaved families.
The evening reached its peak with surprise performances from boyband 911 and singer Kelly Llorena, ensuring an unforgettable night of entertainment for the guests. Danny Miller, who recently made his dramatic return to Emmerdale as Aaron Dingle, expressed his gratitude for the support of his soap colleagues and the attendees at the ball.
Danny and his fellow actor, Daniel Jillings, established the Once Upon A Smile charity in 2011 in memory of beloved Emmerdale and former Corrie producer Gavin Blyth. The charity has since established Sidley House in Old Trafford, a dedicated headquarters where young people can access bereavement support and engage in various fun activities. The continued success of the ball is crucial for Sidley House to continue providing vital services to bereaved families in Manchester.
Emmerdale stars have consistently shown their commitment to supporting Once Upon A Smile, using their platform to raise awareness and funds for the organization. The charity ball is a testament to their dedication and the positive impact they have on the community.