Robbie & Gary By Andrew Timms
55,000 fans, including 150 honoured military guests, watched stars light up London in a show to back British troops around the world and raise money for the Help for Heroes charity.
Headlined by Robbie Williams, the cream of the nation’s entertainment industry signed up for the gig, names as diverse as Jason Manford, Plan B, Jack Dee, The Saturdays, Katherine Jenkins, James Blunt, Alesha Dixon, Latin star Enrique Iglesias and the UK’s latest Number 1 boy band The Wanted.
Opened by a spectacular performance by Alesha Dixon, the singer was joined for her single Drummer Boy by 40 drummers, filling the massive stage.
Tom Jones followed, performing classic Green Green Grass of Home, girl group The Saturdays lit up the stadium, followed by two of 2010’s most acclaimed breakthrough artists Plan B, then Pixie Lott.
Former soldier James Blunt made a fitting appearance before The Wanted played Number 1 single All Time Low and woman of the moment Alexandra Burke, who scored a Number 1 single tonight with Start Without You, wowed the crowd.
Then classical crossover star, Katherine Jenkins brought the house down, onstage with Britain’s Got Talent winners Spellbound in a fantastic routine.
Alesha Dixon returned, followed by Enrique Iglesias before comedian Peter Kay introduced headliner Robbie Williams.
Robbie tore into Let Me Entertain You and Come Undone, then introduced reunited Take That bandmate Gary Barlow for the night’s biggest exclusive, the first performance of their joint new single ‘Shame’.
Robbie, solo again, brought the crowd to their feet with Feel and then had 55,000 singing together, including HRH Prince Harry and his party of army friends, for his most famous hit Angels. Dedicating the song to soldiers and their families, Robbie put on the performance of a lifetime.
The show was hosted by the best of the UK’s comedy talent - John Bishop, Kevin Bridges, Jack Dee, Rhod Gilbert, Peter Kay, Jason Manford and Michael McIntyre and Debra Stevenson all kept the crowd entertained between the music.
Proceeds go straight to Help for Heroes to raise money to help fund further rehabilitation centres around the country.
The spectacular event was broadcast live on BBC One and around the world to military bases through British Forces Broadcasting (BFBS).
Tagged in Robbie Williams