Our OLYMPIC heroes

EMMA WILLIS on hosting a spectacular show to celebrate Team GB's star athletes

- HANNAH DAVIES

Like most of us, Emma Willis was cheering on Team GB at the Paris Olympics, so she is thrilled to be hosting BBC1’s epic Team GB Homecoming celebration alongside Vernon Kay to mark the incredible achievements of our star competitors.

The event, held at the AO Arena in Manchester, will feature performances from Clean Bandit, Jess Glynne, Pete Tong and Rag’n’Bone Man, plus appearances from well-known faces from the world of sport.

And, of course, we’re hoping some of our Paris medallists, such as diver Tom Daley, triathlete Alex Yee, 800m runner Keely Hodgkinson, swimmer Adam Peaty and rower Helen Glover, will be up on stage, too.

Here Emma, 48, tells TV Times more…

Were you glued to Paris 2024 on the telly?

Yeah, I always get really into the Olympics! I’m one of those people who has to have it on constantly in the background so I can dip in and out. I love watching the diving – I mean, there’s nothing better than Tom Daley. And I get totally lost in the gymnastics because what they can do with their bodies is phenomenal. But it’s with the track events that I always find myself screaming at the telly – it’s kind of like when you watch a penalty shoot-out!

What can you reveal about this special homecoming event?

It’s a big old celebration for Team GB coming home with an arena full of people who are ready to have a good night and to celebrate – and we’ll have loads of the medal-winning athletes there. There are also some performances from stars like Jess Glynne and Clean Bandit.

So, yes, it’s a thank you and a great big pat on the back to Team GB because they don’t half put a lot of effort into what they do!