BBC Local Radio will broadcast a series of Make a Difference programmes across the Easter weekend, featuring community stories and a guest appearance from Blue.
The programmes centre on people recognised through the Make a Difference Awards, highlighting acts of kindness and local support across England.
Gaby Roslin hosts the Easter specials, with members of Blue meeting award winners from last year and hearing their experiences.
Among them is Gill Punt from Bromsgrove, who raised around two million pounds for cancer charities by running marathons in costume.
Duncan James responded to her story, saying: “It’s lovely listening to what you’re saying and what you’re doing is incredible. The fact that you’ve dedicated 30 years of your life and raised all this amount of money. Honestly, it’s a round of applause to you!”
Lee Ryan also spoke with Cassandra White from The Wren Bakery in Leeds, which supports women facing multiple disadvantages. He said: “I’m a massive supporter of this. That’s quite touching. For me personally, that’s amazing.”
The initiative began in 2020 as a way to connect communities during the Covid pandemic and has since expanded across the UK, with thousands nominated each year.
Hour long programmes presented by Gabby Roslin include a Good Friday awards special at 9am, a Sunday morning faith programme at 6am, and an Easter Monday highlights show at 9am featuring past contributors and celebrity guests.