BUCKETLOADS OF JOY

Hosts Elaine and Sanjeev can't wait to make some more special moments and pay tribute to Scotland's unsung heroes at the most uplifting night of the year

- BY HEATHER GREENAWAY

WITH just two days to go until the Pride of Scotland Awards, hosts Elaine C Smith and Sanjeev Kohli are getting ready to "gie it laldy" for the nation's unsung heroes.

The comedy duo brought laughter to our People's Oscars last year with their on-stage antics and they're looking forward to giving our inspirational 2023 winners a night they will never forget.

Rab C Nesbitt legend Elaine, who prompted the Lulu sing-a-long at the 2022 awards, said: "Sanjeev and I have dedicated our lives to entertaining folk and making them laugh.

"We have great on-stage chemistry but Pride of Scotland isn't about us, it's about the fabulous winners and that's why we are both determined to give them a night they will remember forever.

"Sanjeev and I just go with the flow. You cannae really script us. Last year, a voice in my earpiece told me to keep talking as the comms had gone down.

"Spotting Lulu in the audience, I started belting out the first few notes of Shout as a gag. Next thing I knew she was up on stage singing her hit and getting everyone to join in.

"It was a totally unscripted and joyous moment and a brilliant end to an awesome night. I just know there are going to be similar moments this year too."

Elaine, 64, who is busy filming the seventh season of hit BBC show Two Doors Down, added: "In his memoir, my friend and fellow actor Richard E Grant talks about finding a pocketful of happiness every day and that's what these awards are all about.