Inside star-packed Emmerdale charity ball as guests go for disco glamour
Emmerdale and Coronation Street stars united to raise thousands of pounds for charity in Manchester at the Cure Usher Ball.
A host of TV stars and famous faces donned their best sequinned disco and Studio 54-style attire to head to the ball at the Manchester Deansgate Hotel to support Emmerdale star couple Laura Norton and Mark Jordon, who dazzled in matching cream ensembles.
Laura and Mark started their annual fundraiser in a bid to raise vital funds in the search for a cure for rare genetic disorder Usher Syndrome. Both of the couple’s young children, Jesse and Ronnie, were born with the condition, which leads to dual sensory loss.
But with scientists edging closer to a cure, the couple are determined to make a difference with their big fundraising event, raising tens of thousands of pounds on Saturday night that will go towards medical research.
The couple were supported by a host of Corrie and Emmerdale stars past and present on the night, including Lisa Riley, Roxy Shahidi, Chelsea Halfpenny, Matthew Wolfenden, Isabel Hodgins, Brooke Vincent and Ellie Leach.
The ball also had a star-studded line-up of entertainment, with Laura’s Emmerdale daughter, actress Chelsea Halfpenny, showing off her vocal talents on the night before a dazzling finale from X Factor winner Alexandra Burke.
Laura said: “We were so happy to be back in Manchester, there was so much love in the room it felt like a huge hug.
“And all of our Emmerdale and Corrie cast cheerleaders behind us every step of the way! Everyone got the disco memo and we were all transported back to the 70s.”
Headline sponsors were two local companies, Mum & Me and Starkey hearing aids who “helped make this whole thing possible,” Laura said, and she also praised Ultra Events for “making the room look amazing with the biggest mirror ball we’ve ever seen.”
She added: “Justin Moorhouse is the best host and had the whole room in the palm of his hand and everyone laughing all night. We couldn’t have hoped for more. It was fabulous.”
Laura said that the hard work never stops – as they’re already planning how to outdo their achievements with next year’s ball. She laughed: “We’re a bit tired now but have already sold tickets for next year – so no rest for the wicked!”