Ant and Dec launch ITV wellness drive on BGT
ANT AND Dec have launched ITV’S new mental wellness drive, backed by its top stars.
The presenters interrupted Britain’s Gottalent last night to unveil the campaign.
Dermot O’leary, Gordon Ramsay, Gino D’acampo, Phillip Schofield, Hollywilloughby, Jonathan Ross, Myleene Klass, Amanda Holden and Julie Etchingham are among those backing the five-year crusade.
Britain Gettalking aims to improve the mental or physical health of 10 million people. It is also backed by the charities
Mind andyoungminds, and SAMH in Scotland.
In a surprise twist, Declan Donnelly halted the finale of Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions, which saw dancers Twist & Pulse beat comedy dance hoofers Stavros Flatley.
Judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams watched as a video clip then showed backstage crew holding up cards that read:
“Use our silence to talk to each other.”
Dec said: “In the last 15 years there has been a staggering 48 per cent rise in anxiety and depression among British children. But something as simple as talking together and listening to each other can build our mental wellness.”
Ant Mcpartlin added: “We all know that these days there are more distractions than ever, because we are looking at the telly or we’re looking at our phones. But, it’s so important for our mental wellbeing to remember to get together with people we care about and talk.”
After a pause, Dec joked: “The hardest thing was keeping David Walliams quiet for a moment.”
He added: “Seriously though, just taking time to talk with your nearest and dearest can really make a difference, especially for young people.”
Over the next month ITV will air adverts featuring stars, who will use silence to encourage viewers to talk to each other.
ITV chief executive Carolyn Mccall said: “This highlights the importance of talking and listening in building mental wellness, ensuring that we make looking after our mental health as much of a part of our daily lives and culture as our physical health.”
● See itv.com/britaingettalking and stv.tv/britaingettalking