Julia Morley CBE, Chairman and Chief Executive of the Miss World Organization, has been honored with the Variety Club 2025 Gold Heart Legacy Award for Outstanding Global Vision and Philanthropy. The recognition celebrates her lifelong dedication to humanitarian causes through Beauty with a Purpose, the global program she created in 1972 to inspire Miss World contestants to use their talents to help those less fortunate.

Under her leadership, Beauty with a Purpose has raised over $1.3 billion and supported disadvantaged communities in more than 142 countries, funding thousands of projects in health, education, and social inclusion.

Morley, who was previously appointed Commander of the British Empire (CBE) by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for her services to children, was elected International President of the Variety International Children’s Charity in 2009 and later received its prestigious Humanitarian Award.

The 2025 Gold Heart Legacy Award was presented to Julia Morley at a glamorous ceremony held at The Londoner Hotel on October 19, attended by celebrities, philanthropists, and global leaders dedicated to making a difference. The evening paid tribute to her remarkable career and her ongoing mission to turn beauty into a force for good through Beauty with a Purpose.

The Variety Club Showbusiness Awards 2025 opened with inspiring words from Professor Jonathan Shalit OBE, Chairman of Variety, the Children’s Charity. Welcoming guests to what he described as “a night steeped in awards history,” Shalit celebrated Variety’s 75th anniversary and its enduring mission to change children’s lives. He reflected on the charity’s proud legacy, from supporting over 167,000 disadvantaged children and young people in the past year alone to providing more than 6,000 Sunshine Coaches that help children explore new opportunities and gain confidence.

Acknowledging the organization’s deep roots in British show business and its long-standing impact, he also shared touching stories of children whose lives have been transformed through Variety’s work.

The Variety Club Showbusiness Awards 2025 was a night of inspiration and celebration. The ceremony was brilliantly hosted by Mark Wright, one of the UK’s most recognizable broadcasters, alongside Katie Piper OBE, the acclaimed author, broadcaster, and international motivational speaker. In a touching moment, Piper herself was surprised with a special honor, presented by Miss World, Opal Suchata, to the delight of the audience.

The evening also featured powerful musical performances, including Sydnie Christmas, winner of the Variety Club Silver Heart Award 2025 for Outstanding New ITV Talent, Emmanuel Kelly, recipient of the Variety Club Silver Heart Award 2025 for Artistic Impact and Inclusion, and Olly Murs, Variety Silver Heart Award 2025 for Outstanding Contribution to Music. Their performances underscored the spirit of the event, celebrating entertainment that uplifts, inspires, and gives back.

Awardees

The Variety Club Showbusiness Awards 2025 honored an impressive roster of stars and industry icons whose work has shaped entertainment and philanthropy across generations. Among the distinguished awardees was Julia Morley CBE, recognized alongside a remarkable lineup of artists, performers, and broadcasters who embody excellence and compassion.

Honourees included Vernon Kay (Outstanding Contribution to Radio), Jamie Wilson (Outstanding Contribution to Musical Theatre), Sir Lloyd Dorfman CVO CBE (International Humanitarian Award), Adam Hills MBE (Outstanding Contribution to Comedy), and Vanessa Williams, the first Black woman crowned Miss America, celebrated for her Outstanding Global Contribution to the Arts and Humanity.

Sports achievements were also spotlighted, with Leah Williamson OBE receiving the award for Outstanding Contribution to Football and Sports, and Zoe Aldcroft and the Red Roses Rugby Team honored for Outstanding Contribution to Rugby and Sports.

In theatre, television, and film, Sir Stephen Fry, Ant & Dec, Petula Clark CBE, Lesley Joseph, Pip Burley, and soap legends William Roache OBE and Barbara Knox MBE all received Silver and Gold Heart Awards for their enduring impact on British entertainment.

Miss World and the Variety Club: a Longstanding Partnership

Miss World and the Variety Club of Great Britain have shared close ties for decades. It all began with Eric Morley, founder of Miss World, who was also a leading member and later Chief Barker (chairman) of the Variety Club. In the early 1960s, he was joined by Julia Morley, who in 1972 would create “Beauty With a Purpose”. Through their role, the Morley’s helped raise millions for children in need, linking Miss World’s growing platform to one of the UK’s most respected charities.

Since the 1960s, the Variety Club has regularly hosted luncheons and gala events with Miss World contestants in London’s major hotels, such as the Dorchester and Grosvenor House. These gatherings celebrated fundraising for children’s causes.

In the 2000s, the relationship deepened under Julia Morley CBE, Chair of Miss World. In 2009, she was inaugurated as International President of Variety – the Children’s Charity, cementing the historic partnership between the two organizations. Together, they have supported countless initiatives for disabled and disadvantaged children around the world.

Today, some national Miss World organizations, including those in Australia, Canada, and Japan, continue to raise funds for Variety under the Beauty With a Purpose banner. This collaboration reflects Miss World’s long-term commitment to turning beauty into meaningful social impact.