Shaky aiming for another christmas number one 36 years on
ROCK ‘n’ roll legend Shakin’ Stevens is to star in the music video for Children In Need’s first ever Christmas single.
The Cardiff-born chart-topper’s involvement comes 36 years after he hit the festive number one spot with Merry Christmas Everyone.
For the new single Andy and The Odd Socks – stars of popular CBBC show Andy And The Band – have produced a festive double A-side record which features a cover of Stevens’ 1985 classic Merry Christmas Everyone as well as a new original song titled We’re All Together (At Christmas Time).
All the money raised from the single, which was released yesterday, will go to the children’s charity.
Shaky, originally from Ely, was the UK’s biggest-selling singles artist in the 1980s, and he makes a cameo appearance during the music video for the single, alongside Children In Need mascot Pudsey.
He also gave his blessing to the Odd Socks to release their version of his festive hit and sent them a message saying: “Wishing you good luck on raising money for Children In Need, a most worthwhile charity.”
Andy And The Band sees the team solve odd jobs and perform music and they have already released numerous singles and two albums.
Andy Day of the Odd Socks said: “We’ve always admired the wonderful work of BBC Children In Need so it’s such an honour for me and the Odd Socks to be able to do our bit by releasing a special Christmas single to raise money for the 2021 appeal.
“Naturally, having worked with children for such a long time at BBC Children’s, it’s a charity that is very close to my heart and we hope that everyone will enjoy our version of Merry Christmas Everyone, which is definitely one of our all-time favourite festive songs.”
Simon Antrobus, chief executive of BBC Children In Need, said: “We’re delighted that Andy And The Odd Socks are going to be releasing our first ever official Christmas single.
“BBC Children In Need funds local projects and charities 365 days of the year and the money raised from the Christmas single will go on to benefit children and young people all across the UK.”
Children In Need raised more than £39m after its annual fundraising show last month, with Welsh weatherman Owain Wyn Evans contributing £3,601,138 to that total with his 24-hour drumathon.
The gruelling challenge saw the presenter drumming through the day and night with many famous drummers making an appearance along the way including McFly’s Harry Judd, Pulp’s Nick Banks, and Cherisse Osei from Simple Minds.
The 41st year of the appeal show also featured stars including pop group Abba, actor Stephen Fry, Strictly professional dancer Oti Mabuse, Olympian gymnast Max Whitlock and broadcaster Clare Balding.
Ed Sheeran, Tom Grennan and RuPaul’s Drag Race stars also provided musical entertainment.