In a new short film, Ellie is joined by actors Jonathan Pryce, Imelda Staunton, Jim Carter and presenters Nihal Arthanayake, Lorraine Kelly and Ayo Akinwolere as they discuss their most cherished Christmas gift. Some of the gifts they reminisce about include a pair of tiny black patent shoes that Imelda received, a racing car game for Nihal and his brother, while Jonathan Pryce recalls a very special early Christmas present! The film highlights the importance of being able to share the festive season with loved ones, and how this simply isn’t the case for one in four people who are homeless, who spend Christmas alone.

Ellie is also becoming a Crisis ambassador, after supporting the charity for many years and volunteering at the charity’s Christmas centres since 2015. As an Ambassador, Ellie will play a key role in supporting Crisis’ campaigning and fundraising to help the charity in its mission to end homelessness for good.

As well as hosting this year’s film, Ellie will also be lending her Instagram account for the latest in her ‘Pass the Mic’ series, where she’ll speak with Crisis’ chief executive Jon Sparkes, and Laura, who recently experienced homelessness and has accessed Crisis’ year-round support.

The stars are supporting national homelessness charity Crisis as it prepares to open its Christmas services this year to provide food, accommodation and companionship to people facing homelessness across Britain at one of the toughest times of the year.

Now in their 49th year, Crisis’ Christmas services will be different this year because of coronavirus. From 21st December, Crisis has booked out hotels across London for a two-week period, providing guests with their own room, bathroom facilities and three meals a day so they have somewhere safe and secure to spend Christmas. The hotels will open to people who have been referred to Crisis and would otherwise be sleeping on the streets.

With one in four people experiencing homelessness predicted to spend Christmas alone this year, Crisis is calling on the public to give the gift of a Crisis Christmas to someone experiencing homelessness by donating £28.22.

Ellie Goulding said: “Christmas is supposed to be one of the most magical times of year, but sadly for thousands of people who are experiencing homelessness, this isn’t the case. I have a longstanding relationship with Crisis and have been passionate about our need to end homelessness for many years. I’m delighted to announce that I’ve been appointed an Ambassador for Crisis, and to be supporting this year’s Christmas campaign. This year, more than ever, Crisis needs your support to make sure people experiencing homelessness can access warmth, food and support to leave homelessness behind for good.”

Jon Sparkes, chief executive of Crisis, said: “We’re delighted to announce that Ellie has become an Ambassador, and that she’ll be working with us and our brilliant celebrity supporters this Christmas, helping us to raise awareness of Crisis’ work at Christmas and all year round so that we can continue to be there for people experiencing homelessness.

“No one should have to spend Christmas homeless and alone. We’ll be doing all we can to make sure no one is alone across Great Britain, from providing accommodation to delivering food to those who need it. Please support Crisis this year and donate what you can.”