Every year we are reduced to a blubbering mess, in a good way, thanks to the incredible people involved in the Pride of Britain awards.
Remember Bailey Matthews who went viral after finishing his first triathlon, despite having cerebal palsy? And that guy who stopped a pile-up by literally pushing a speeding car into the crash barrier while on a motorcycle? It's always an incredible evening and, if you're not in the know, you need to get in the know. And watch it all. And cry with us at the sad bits. And the happy bits. All the bits.
Thankfully, we've put together the ultimate guide to all things Pride of Britain, answering all your questions about one of the best events of the year.
We also talked to some of the nominees past and present.
Tilly Sawyer was given just a 5% chance of survival after falling into scalding water
What are the Pride of Britain awards?
It's The Daily Mirror's celebration of incredible people who make our world a better place (and in association with TSB). Screened on ITV every November, all the nominees are nominated by the public, and the winners are from all walks of life, of all ages, and from all over the country.
It's been going for 17 years, since 1999, and is, basically, a celebration of ordinary people doing extraordinary things; a welcome change if you're fed up of reading about Kylie Jenner having worn a scarf. Again.
Who attended the Pride of Britain awards 2016?
Named the most 'humble and rewarding' night of the year, so it's no surprise that so many famous faces never turn down an invite. It's also the night of the year where television stars collide with politicians and ledgendary musicians - a very rare sight in today's day and age.
Closer spotted Olly Murs and Cliff Richard interviewed at the same time and Simon Cowell even got ushered off the red carpet to make way for Theresa May and Prince Charles!
The deserving winners (and all their families) shared the red carpet with so many celebrities this year - with the spotlight quite rightly on them instead.
HRH Prince Charles, Theresa May, One Direction's Louis Tomlinson, Cliff Richard, Tom Jones, Mary Berry, Strictly Come Dancing contestants and their professional dancers, host Carol Vorderman, Ferne Cotton, X Factor finalists, Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan, Team GB Olympians and Paralympians, Jeremy Corbyn, Emma Bunton and Geri Horner, Simon Cowell and Nicole Scherzinger, Olly Murs, Alesha Dixon, Loose Women pannellists, Ferne McCann, Rylan Clark, Mcfly, Joe Wicks and so many more...
Here's a few snaps of a few celebrity attendees looking extremely dapper...
Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan looking the picture of happiness:
Kimberley Walsh looking blooming lovely:
A very chatty Cliff Richard:
The McFly boys (minus Dougie) with their wives Izzy Judd, Giovanna Fletcher and Georgia Horsley
**Theresa May (who even stopped for some selfies) **
**Strictly's Louise Redknapp and hubby Jamie **
Who hosts the Pride of Britain awards?
Everyone's favourite Countdown legend Carol Vorderman has hosted the awards for 18 years, and she recently spoke out about how important it's been for her: "When I did Countdown with Richard I loved every moment of it because we laughed like drains, and that was something I did for a long time.
"But you move on and then there are certain things you do, like Pride of Britain, that have a huge effect on your life. And here we are, in our 18th year."
Who judges the Pride of Britain awards?
The judges vary from year to year, with Carol Vorderman usually being on the panel along with other amazing people. This year, Carol was joined by Olympian Chris Hoy, past winners and other celebrated figures.
Pride of Britain 2016 award winners
**Child of Courage - Nikki Christou **
12-year-old vlogger Nikki was diagnosed with a potentially life-threatening facial disfigurement at the age of six. Her condition causes intense pain, including sometimes severe bleeding from the nose and is incurable. Despite all this, Nikki is a remarkable young woman who stays incredibly positive about everything in life. She’s set up a Youtube channel, that has over 79,000 followers, offering make-up tips and advice to people coping with chronic illnesses.
You can follow Nikki here.
**Special Recognition - Karen Johnson **
Upom receiving the devastating news that her two young sons Simon and Mikey would die before reaching their teens due to rare genetic condition Hunter Syndrome – she made it her mission to find a cure.
Karen launched GEM (a cure-seeking charity) in 1994 and has raised more than 2.6 million! The funding even helped fund and develop an enzyme therapy that has reserved symptoms in some sufferers with Hunter Syndrome. A true hero.
**Special recognition - Team GB and Paralympics GB **
This summer certainly made us all super proud to be British! Olympic and athletes rewrote the history books at the Rio Games this year, sending records tumbling and surpassing all expectations. Team GB finished second on the medal table after winning 67 medals and British Paralympians picked up the winning baton as they finished with 147 medals. Both teams walked away with 67 golds between them!
Awe-inspiring!
TSB Community Partner Winner - Billy Muir
68-year-old Billy is officially Britain’s hardest-working man. No really. Billy, who is from remote island community North Ronaldsy, works 20 jobs to keep his community going.
His jobs include baggage handling, electrician, builder and rubbish collector.
And you though your work/life balance was tough!
Good Morning Britain Young Fundraiser Award - Rhea Kara
11-year-old Rhea dreams of being an artist and she won’t let her incurable condition (Rett’s Syndrome) get in her way! Rett’s mainly affects young girls, leaving them with devastating medical issues for the rest of their lives. Some are unable to speak, walk or use their hands.
However, Rhea vowed to paint something every single day for 100 days – taking on the challenge for three years – and has helped raise £13,500 towards research into the condition.
Prince's Trust Young Achiever - Francesca Brown
25-year-old Francesca overcame depression and family troubles to set up a football development programme for girls, helping them deal with a variety of issues including depression, bullying and low self-esteem. She’s since transformed her project into a viable business.
Special Recognition Award - The Groves family
Back in June 2010, little Lillian Groves was killed by a speeding driver who had been smoking cannabis outside her home. Police didn’t carry out drug testing kits until nine hours after the fatal crash – meaning that there was not enough cannabis left in his system to charge him. The Groves family have since worked tirelessly to achieve a change in the laws towards drug-driving.
Child of Courage Award - Tilly Sawford
Eight year old Tilly Sawford, from Nottingham, was given just a 5% chance of survival after she fell into a bath of scalding water when she was only 15 months old. A nightmareish story for any family, the youngster was playing with her older siblings upstairs, when one of them accidentally turned on the hot tap. Unknown to little Tilly, she then fell into the bath full of scolding water.
Tilly passed out, and was rushed to hospital, where she spent six months in intensive care with 86% burns. Her parents were told she would die on five separate occasions.
Since then, the eight-year-old has undergone more than 500 operations, including grafts of shark cartilage and cow collagen and the amputation of a leg.
Outstanding Bravery Award - William Edwards
William, who is from Wrexham, put his own life in danger to save pensioner Anne Wade who was trapped inside a burning car. William smashed through the car window to help her escape – cutting open his own arm (severing two tendons in his hand) in the process.
Special Recognition - Dr David Nott
For the past 23 years, Doctor David Nott has taken several months leaves from his hospital in London to work as a volunteer for aid agencies like Syria Relief and Red Cross in some of the world’s most dangerous places – often risking his own life to save others.
Child of Courage - Dylan Graves
12-year-old Dylan risked his own life to save his friend, James Yeadon, by pushing him out of the path of a runaway car and taking the brunt of the impact himself. He suffered back injuries, broken ribs and a fractured pelvis and was off school for eight weeks.
Emergency Services Award - Dr Simon Walsh, Dr Samy Kadek and paramedics Bill Leaning, Sam Margetts and Dean Bateman
London’s Air Ambulance bravely battled to save the life of a cyclist who was moments away from death by carrying out a rare and extremely complex heart procedure – on the edge of the roadside! If it wasn’t for the team’s quick thinking, Victoria Lebrac, would not be here today.
Lifetime Achievement - Professor Stephen Hawking
The world’s most influential scientist has helped change the world around us – despite battling motor neurone disease for more than 50 years of his life. He also dedicates time to offer advice and hope to others who battle the disease.
Special Recognition - Simon and Ted McDermott
Dementia sufferer Ted, 80, and his son Simon, 40, have melted the hearts of so many around the world with their infectious Carpool Karaoke fundraising videos. Posting their videos to Facebook with a Just Giving link, the pair have raised more the £130,000 for Alzheimer’s Society.
What champs!
**Watch the Pride of Britain Awards tonight on ITV1, 8pm. **
**Are you excited to watch Pride of Britain? Do you have any influential stories of your own? Let us know over on Facebook and Twitter (@CloserOnline). **