By Lauren Maughan and Felicity Robertson
Gary Barlow got Children In Need’s charity ball rolling last night, as a whole host of stars made an appearance at his auction fundraiser.
Famous faces arrived in droves to attend the red carpet event, which took place exactly 24 hours before the Children In Need Rocks concert, at the Hilton Hotel in Manchester.
The star studded bash saw celebrities such as JLS, Kelly Rowland, Gary Barlow and Olly Murs out to raise money for the cause.
HOST: Fearn Cotton wearing a piece from her own Very online range
Magician, Dynamo, said: “I’m going to do some magic on the bear.
“I’m going to make sure we raise lots of money because that’s what we’re all here for.”
X Factor contestants, Marcus Collins and Craig Colton, gained a great reception from their adoring fans and told MM that they were going to perform Take That’s No.1 hit, Shine, with Gary.
NEW TO THE CARPET: Craig Colton and Marcus Collins from X Factor
Marcus said: “We are just loving it.
“We feel so lucky to be here, we didn’t expect to be invited.”
Other stars in attendance included Children In Need host, Fearne Cotton, and past host, Terry Wogan, along with Chris Moyles, Alesha Dixon, Coronation Street stars, Coleen Rooney, Jason Donovan, Austin Healey and TV funny man, John Bishop.
WHERE’S WAYNE? Coleen step out without her United star husband
When asked would he fill in for Cheryl Cole on Children In Need Rocks, John Bishop said: “If her dress fits me.”
Fearne Cotton, who was wearing a piece from her own Very online range, added: “I have a voice like a dying cat so I don’t think so.”
FUNNY MAN: John Bishop was sizing up Cheryl Cole’s dress
Items up for grabs at the auction included a Bentley which JB from JLS said he had his eyes on after just passing his driving test.
Coronation Street’s Jenny McAlpine told MM that Coronation Street have something top secret up their sleeves but would not give away any clues.
ONE FOR THE LADIES: Boy band JLS (condom range out of shot?)
Selfridges provided luxury goody bags for guests whilst invitations came in the form of a Perspex plaque.
The Children In Need fundraising continues tonight with the Children In Need Rocks concert at Manchester’s MEN Arena with performances from Michael Buble, Lady Gaga and Coldplay.
WHERE’S THE HAT? Olly Murs, before trying to get in the car
ESPECIALLY FOR CHARITY: Strictly’s former Aussie soap star Jason Donovan
FRESH FROM THE COBBLES: Coronation Street’s Samia Smith and Will Thorp
WHAT WOULD JIM ROYLE SAY? Sue Johnston at the all-star bash
ALL THE WOMEN: Or at least two of them – Kelly Rowland and Michelle Collins
MAN BEHIND IT ALL: Gary Barlow
A HINT OF MIS-TEEQ: Alesha Dixon