Lorraine Kelly and Laura Boyd are being invited to take a seat, while the future telly stars of Shettleston gear up for prime time! The S1 pupils of St Andrews RC Secondary School are giving the presenters a run for their money as they plan to “take over” STV – for a whole week!
STV’s team of continuity announcers are getting some time off introducing the nations favourite programmes, as pupils from the East-End based school host their “channel takeover” of STV. From Friday 1st November, to the evening of Friday 8th November, the S1 pupils will be introducing fan favourites such as The Chase and Emmerdale, right up until they introduce the STV Children’s Appeal Show at 7pm.
The school caught the eye of the charity after hosting an Appeal Big Scottish Breakfast event in September, to raise funds for children and families that need support. Sharon Wallace, Principal Teacher of Health and Food Technology, explained that excitement throughout the school is at an all-time high, and that the children were especially keen to take part knowing what the Appeal stands for. It gave them the opportunity to showcase values such as kindness that are important to them and the school and made it that much easier for them to welcome the TV crew.
Sharon said: “The kids were keen to show off the variety of subjects and learning environments throughout the school, as the TV crew moved between different locations every few takes. The young people were total naturals, right from the warm-up techniques, through to the lines and scenes they were required to deliver with confidence. Some of the children even took it upon themselves to suggest lines, movements and actions they felt would resonate well on camera!”
Sharon said that the pupils loved being filmed, felt confident in the process, and can’t wait to see themselves on the TV screen. She explained: “The S1s that took part have been raving about their memorable day of filming with their peers, and it’s already led to other filming opportunities with the BBC and Netflix for one of the young people that took part!”
The takeover week is to celebrate the return of the STV Children’s Appeal Show, hosted by Lorriane Kelly and STV presenter Laura Boyd, airing on Friday 8th November at 7pm on STV and STV Player.
The STV Children’s Appeal annual telefundraiser highlights the important work taking place across Scotland to support children and families that need it most, with Lorraine and Laura being joined by Appeal heroes and ambassadors following another incredible year of fundraising.
The show was filmed at Glasgow Kelvin College’s Springburn Campus, with involvement from their Film Studies students. The college is supported by the Appeal to run intergenerational ‘Community Hubs’ that benefit children and parents alike, with an array of activities and a free evening meal on weekdays. Other inspirational charities featuring in the Appeal show include Leslie Community Pantry, East Lothian Young Carers, and Bairnecessities in North Aberdeenshire.
Natalie Wright, Head of the STV Children’s Appeal, said: “We were impressed by the confidence and presentation skills of the S1s at St Andrews RC Secondary School, and want to say a massive thank you to the school for giving the production team a warm welcome.
The STV Children’s Appeal supports children to reach their full potential, and we loved giving the St Andrews kids a chance to take over our channel. The students were just brilliant, and I’m sure it won’t be long before we see some of their faces on telly again!”
The STV Children’s Appeal 2024 airs on Friday 8 November across STV and STV Player.
