TV stars were out in force for the dazzling fundraising finale for inspiring charity campaigner Dr Michael Josephson MBE as he hosted his Farewell Charity Ball in Manchester. After a packed night of entertainment, guests learnt just after midnight that the fundraising had reached a jaw-dropping £1million that will now go to support children’s charities across the north west.

BBC chat show king Graham Norton joined the celebrations, alongside a host of stars from Emmerdale, Coronation Street and Hollyoaks at the Manchester Deansgate Hotel as well as former King of the Jungle Christopher Biggins, Man United legend Bryan Robson and M People icon Heather Small. Corrie favourite Alan Halsall attended with his glamorous girlfriend Ellie Dolan, while former Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher had a night away from his real-life farm as he and wife Liz went full on glamour for the red carpet.

Hollyoaks star Jorgie Porter wowed in all-white as she and partner Ollie Piotrowski enjoyed their first “big” night out since the birth of baby daughter Peony last year. And Jorgie made the most of it – hitting the dance floor when star guest Chesney Hawkes arrived on stage, with Chesney even joining her for a twirl as he sang The Killers’ anthem Human.

Emmerdale couple Laura Norton and Mark Jordon, who recently held their own charity ball at the Manchester Deansgate Hotel, were full of praise for Michael’s fundraising achievements, with Laura saying: “How can one man raise over £1 million pound in one night!!! Truly humbled to see such determination and support for young children in need across the country.

“There really are some amazing people out there in this crazy world – and the world is lucky to have people like this in it.”

TV star Graham said he was delighted to attend the big Farewell Ball, attending with his friends former Manchester mayor Carl Austin-Behan and his husband Simon. Graham said: “I’d heard all about Michael and what an amazing job he does. I love Manchester, I’m up here quite a lot as we film Wheel of Fortune up here.”

Graham found himself going viral worldwide this year after pop superstar Taylor Swift invited him and guests she bonded with on his chat show to star in her new music video to Opalite. Graham said: “It’s been amazing, after all these years you don’t expect to be on that sort of platform.”

The event on Saturday marked the culmination of Michael’s remarkable charity work and saw a stunning live performance from Gabrielle, who captivated the room with a set of her much-loved hits including Dreams and Out of Reach as well as a high energy opener by Chesney Hawkes, whose voice brought the audience to its feet and provided a truly memorable moment for guests.

The grand auction on the evening further boosted the fundraising total. Coveted lots included a set of Boodles Argyle Pink Diamonds that sold for £65,000, a game of padel with Ryan Giggs and a highly collectible original piece of artwork titled ‘Pop Wall’ by acclaimed artist Mr Brainwash, donated by Clarendon Fine Art that raised the biggest single amount on the night of £120,000.

The evening was supported by former England cricketer and TV personality Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff and journalist and TV presenter Piers Morgan, with the two friends donating a lunch to be enjoyed with eight guests at an exclusive London location – which sold for a huge £45,000 on the night. Michael announced that fundraising on the night will also support the Medicinema Appeal at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, the appeal the Freddie and wife Rachael first launched in December.

Speaking following the event, the Manchester philanthropist and entrepreneur said: “I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported this evening – from the performers and donors to every single guest in the room. To see such generosity and goodwill come together in one place is truly humbling, and a perfect finale for the Dr Michael Josephson MBE Farewell Ball.”

The evening had opened with an emotional video telling Michael’s personal story of triumph over adversity. After a traumatic childhood, and in his darkest hour, he jumped off a motorway bridge in 1998 breaking every bone in his body and was told he would never walk again. But, as he made his long and painful recovery in hospital, he made a vow to turn his life around. He would go on to become a successful businessman, and has made it his life’s work to raise money for other young people in the hope no one ever has to suffer as he did.

Now in its seventh year, The Dr Michael Josephson MBE Farewell Ball has gone on to raise millions for charities. Saturday’s fundraiser, hosted by Happy Radio DJ Darren Proctor, will support five main beneficiaries, including Variety, the Children’s Charity, Mahdlo Youth Zone, The Anne Frank Trust, Seashell Trust and Rainbow Trust – who all work with children and young people in need. Funds will also be used to support small charities throughout the Northwest. The spectacular event was organised by celebrity event planner, Julie Perry Events, and supported by headline sponsor, Godel Technologies and Zeno Limited.