ITV viewers were left emotional on Thursday night as The Prince’s Trust Awards were broadcast for the first time in its 18 year history of celebrating inspiring young people across the country.
While the awards actually took place on Tuesday, 24 May at London's Theatre Royal Drury Lane, they aired on ITV two days later.
This is the 10th year running that TV favourites Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have hosted the awards, with the founder and president of The Prince's Trust, Prince Charles, in attendance.
The star-stunned event boasted big names from the worlds of film, TV, music and sport, as well as Prince Charles on stage through the duration of the event.
ITV viewers took to Twitter to celebrate the award-winners, with one fan writing: “Watching the Prince's Trust Awards and already got the tissues out. So inspiring to see how the Trust turns around young people’s lives.”
Another wrote: “Omg anyone else sobbing their heart out at Prince’s Trust Awards? Amazing to see such inspirational positive stories.”
“Very inspirational the Prince’s Trust Awards & definitely needs to be on TV every year now!!!” another chipped in.
A fellow ITV viewer wrote: “Watching and enjoying the Prince's Trust Awards, great to see what great and amazing things young people have achieved,” alongside a thumbs up emoji.
A fellow viewer wrote: “So humbling to watch the Prince's Trust Awards inspirational young people and their mentors. With determination, the right attitude and tailored support they are flying.”
Another echoed their thoughts, writing: “I'm loving watching the Prince's Trust Awards on TV - I knew they helped young people but had no idea of the all the fabulous ways they did so. And all these winners are very inspiring young persons.”
“Amazing stories tonight of Prince's Trust young people changing their lives but showcasing what is possible to make a difference. Truly inspirational. More to do…” another wrote.
The winners being celebrated at the Prince’s Trust are young people who have achieved amazing things despite disadvantage and adversity.
The awards ceremony honours the success of people who have been helped by The Prince's Trust – 11 to 30-year-olds who have been supported in getting their lives back on track to give them the skills they need to live, learn and earn.
Those helped by the charity, which was set up in 1976, might be unemployed, struggling at school or at risk of exclusion and are given a helping hand by the Trust.
Amazing nominees up for awards this year included a woman who has achieved her dream of becoming an ambulance worker despite years of physical and mental abuse, and a boy who hasn't let a lifetime of surgery for a serious medical condition hold him back educationally.
Ahead of the Geordie duo’s hosting duties, Ant said: “It’s an absolute privilege to be involved in The Prince’s Trust Awards again this year and to be hosting it for the 10th time.
“It is always so inspirational to hear from these young people who through pure determination and against all odds have come out fighting and achieved so much.”
Dec added: “We’re honoured to play a part in the amazing work of The Prince’s Trust.
“The young people celebrated at The Prince’s Trust Awards have shown real strength, commitment and dedication and are proof that the support offered by The Trust really is life changing.”
