Carol Vorderman, Ashley Banjo visit P&O Cruises's Britannia

The awards have been celebrating the unsung heroes of the UK for 26 years and this year has kicked of with a lunch event on P&O Cruises’ Britannia.

Co-hosts Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo have sat down with the Echo and revealed all ahead of the ceremony, which is set to be held in October.

Carol and Ashley (Image: NQ) Carol told the Echo: “It’s been 26-years that I have been doing the Pride of Britain Awards – it's wonderful to have come on that journey.

“Over the years that stage has got bigger, and the lights have got brighter but it’s always been a brilliant show.

“My favourite part is always the night before – the winner’s dinner. It’s where everyone comes together and meets one another, celebrating the amazing things each has done.”

A Pride of Britain Award (Image: NQ) When asked if he gets nervous before the event, Ashley said he had learnt to calm his anxiousness since his first Pride of Britain in 2021.

READ MORE: Three of UK's biggest cruise ships in Southampton this weekend

He added: “There’s a moment just before the show where me and Carol are waiting to go out – in that moment I do get quite nervous.

“Its right at the top of the stairs to the stage, I know I’m nervous because I can hear a voice in my head saying ‘don’t trip, just don’t trip’ so my first mission for the awards day is just try not to fall over.”

Reflecting on the winners from previous years, Carol said the story of Jean Forrest from the Pride of Britain Awards 2000, always stuck with her.

When she received her award, Jean had fostered more than 600 children over 37 years.

Carol and Ashley meeting the Pride of Britain Award 2024 winners 

She continued: “Looking after these children from her council house – She was just full of so much love and care that she was like a magnet to people.

“An extraordinary woman – she was just remarkable.

“We did a TV show where we gave her a conservatory and fixed up her garden – she was so grateful – I’ve never seen camera men cry like they did when we did that for Jean.”

Ashley added: “I always say to people, as a father, I’m always blown away by the work of some of these incredible children.

“The kids touch my heart the most – they feel so personal to me.”