Join Asda's Stars of the Christmas Tree and get behind Text Santa

We’ve transformed celebs including Kym Marsh, Jedward and the cast of TOWIE into “Stars of the Christmas Tree” to encourage everyone to get behind ITV’s Text Santa charity campaign and get your Text Santa hat and T-shirts at Asda.

All profits from the Santa hats, on sale for £1, and the fun T-shirts – £4 for kids, £5 for adults – will go to the nine wonderful Text Santa charities and help those who are less fortunate at Christmas. Send us a photo of you and your family wearing your hats and T-shirts and we’ll publish them alongside the celeb photos here and on Facebook.
Kym Marsh (pictured above on our giant tree) says: “I really urge you to help and donate what you can, buy a Santa hat and T-shirt from Asda and generally spread some Christmas cheer this year!”
You can see the secret of how the stunning photos were created in our behind-the-scenes video from the photo-shoot:


The celebrities had great fun at the photoshoot. Jedward said: “Leaping and bouncing around – literally – for Asda’s ‘Stars of the Christmas Tree’ shoot was so much fun, and a real workout. It will be totally worth it as long as people get texting and put Text Santa hats and T-shirts at the top of their Christmas list this year. Merry Christmas everyone!”

TOWIE’s Joey Essex, who dressed up as a toy soldier for the tree, said: “Spending Christmas at home with the family is really important to me, so when I was told about Text Santa I knew it was something I really wanted to support. It’s such a brilliant idea and what could be easier than texting a donation and buying a reem Text Santa hat and T-shirt from Asda to raise money.”

Lauren Pope, Joey’s fellow star from The Only Way Is Essex, says: “I’m so behind this amazing campaign, and loved posing on a giant bauble on the Christmas Tree.”

Corrie’s Samia Ghadie says: “I had great fun being a Christmas fairy at the Asda shoot, and I really hope the nation is encouraged to donate money and show their support.”

And Danielle Lloyd, pictured on a glittering rocking horse decoration, said: “Christmas is my favourite time of the year, and it’s definitely when we should be thinking of those less fortunate.”

Lots more celebrities have been getting behind the campaign and donning their Text Santa hats and T-shirts to encourage everyone to do the same. Check out our Facebook album to see more of them – including Jason Donovan, the Hoosiers and One Direction.

Kelly Rowland attends Gary Barlow's charity gala dinner

Miaow, pussycat! Kelly Rowland shows off her animal magnetism in a leopard print dress as she attends Gary Barlow's charity gala dinner

By Georgina Littlejohn

Last updated at 7:55 AM on 17th November 2011


If we needed any more proof that Kelly Rowland is fighting fit again after her 'rare illness' a few weeks ago, then this picture says it all.

Because the X Factor judge not only looked on top form but absolutely sensational as she arrived at a charity dinner last night in a stunning animal print dress.

The pop star, 30, proved she had plenty of animal magnetism in the long dress which showed off her curves, especially with its plunging neckline.

Animal magnetism: Kelly Rowland looked stunning in her long leopard print dress as she attends a gala dinner for Children In Need hosted by her fellow X Factor judge Gary Barlow

Classy: Kelly posed by a bespoke Bentley Continental GTC which was up for auction on the night

The former Destiny's Child star was just one of many famous faces at a gala dinner hosted by her fellow X Factor judge Gary Barlow.
The event, which took place at the Hilton Hotel in Manchester, was held to raise money for Children In Need, a charity that raises funds for the disadvantaged children and young people in the UK.

Those must be some heels! Kelly is given a helping hand by an assistant as she totters into the bash, covering her arms from the cold in a chic blue jacket

And the man himself looked very dapper in his smart black suit as he welcomed his famous guests on the red carpet.
Among them were WAG and fashionista Coleen Rooney, 25, who looked very chic in a white floral dress teamed with a black bow round her waist, towering heels and matching clutch.

Strictly come sassy: Alesha Dixon looked sexy in her short blue and green dress as she posed for pictures and chatted to the press outside

Strictly Come Dancing judge Alesha Dixon was also among the guests and looked very sexy in her green and blue short dress, her hair loose in waves around her shoulders.

One of the celebrity acts she is judging was also at the event as former Neighbours star Jason Donovan arrived with his wife Angela.

The host with the most: Gary Barlow, who put on the fundraiser, posed quickly for pictures before dashing off to get ready for his performance

Gary's remaining two X Factor acts were also there to show there mentor some support and get a taste of the celebrity life.

And Marcus Collins and Craig Coulton couldn't have looked more delighted to be there as they posed for pictures and mingled with the celebrity guests.

Liver birds: Scousers Coleen Rooney and Hollyoaks Later actress Candy McCulloch looked chic and sexy as they arrived at the bash

Corrie girls: Actresses Michelle Collins and Shobna Gulati were also guests

Of course, no fundraiser in Manchester would be complete without some of the stars of Coronation Street, who had come out to support their fellow Mancunian.

Samia Ghadie, who plays Maria Connor, and her on and off-screen boyfriend Will Thorp, who plays Chris Gray, attended as did Jennie McAlpine, who plays Fiz Stape and Debbie Rush who plays Anna Windass.

From the Rovers to the red carpet: Coronation Street stars Jennie McAlpine and Debbie Rush and Samia Ghadie and Will Thorp left the cobbles for a night on the town for a good cause

Hot couples: Fearne Cotton and her boyfriend Jesse Wood attended as did Jason Donovan and his wife Angela

They were joined by Shobna Gulati who plays Sunita Alahan and former Corrie and EastEnders star Michelle Collins.

Other guests included singer Jamie Cullum, Fearne Cotton and her boyfriend Jesse Wood and Chantelle Houghton and Alex Reid - who didn't even make an effort to dress up for the occasion.

Happy boys! Gary's last remaining two X factor acts, Marcus Collins and Craig Coulton, couldn't stop smiling as they got their first taste of celebrity life

Boys will be boys: Xtra Factor host Olly Murs and singer and pianist Jamie Cullum also showed their support

Gary didn't stick around to have his picture taken as he geared himself up for his live performance at the event.

He was also warming himself up for the Children In Need Rocks Manchester last night, at the Manchester Evening News Arena, where Lady Gaga, Coldplay, Michael Buble and Snow Patrol among others were performing.

You could have made an effort, you two! Chantelle Houghton and Alex Reid arrived and stood out from the glitz and glamour in their casual attire

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2062490/Kelly-Roland-shows-animal-magnetism-leopard-print-dress-attends-Gary-Barlows-charity-gala-dinner.html#ixzz1dwve0MhV