Photo by Albert Oliveira on Unsplash
Michael Ball is among a line-up of famous faces opening up about their lives, careers and personal memories in a new podcast supporting Shooting Star Children’s Hospices.
Shooting Star Unwrapped is the charity’s first official podcast and is hosted by its Executive Vice-President, Karen Sugarman MBE. Released every fortnight, the series brings together well-known names from music, television and entertainment for warm, candid conversations over tea and sweet treats.
Dame Joan Collins DBE, a long-standing Vice-President of the charity, was the first guest to take a seat with Karen. Singer, actor and broadcaster Michael Ball OBE followed in episode two.
Michael spoke about the importance of using personal experiences to help others, saying: “One should always pay it forward. If you see something, or are lucky enough to have help from somebody, you need to pay that forward to the next people, so that your experiences can help the next lot in whatever way you can.”
Future guests include Vera star Brenda Blethyn OBE, Spandau Ballet singer Tony Hadley MBE, Life on Mars and Ashes to Ashes actor Philip Glenister MBE, acclaimed lyricist Don Black and comedian Julian Clary.
Each guest is asked to bring a favourite sweet treat to enjoy during the recording. It is a playful addition that often opens the door to treasured memories, funny stories and more personal reflections.
The launch also marks an important milestone for Karen, who is celebrating 40 years working in cancer and palliative care. She joined Shooting Star Children’s Hospices in 2003 and has spent more than two decades championing the hospice movement and the families it supports.
Karen sad: “I am proud to mark 40 years in cancer and palliative care and incredibly honoured to host Shooting Star Unwrapped. I hope this podcast will highlight the importance of the hospice movement. The work of Shooting Star Children’s Hospices is vital, and we need to be there to support and care for families going through the most unimaginable circumstances now and long into the future. I am thrilled to welcome so many special celebrity guests who give their time tirelessly, and very grateful to our series one sponsor Jet2.”
The stars have also donated personal items and exclusive experiences to a Virtual Charity Shop auction, which runs until 15 December 2026.
Among the lots is a package of six VIP tickets to see Michael Ball at the London Palladium, complete with champagne and a meet-and-greet. Other highlights include a Valentino clutch bag given to Dame Joan Collins by the designer himself, an original signed Ashes to Ashes script from Philip Glenister and handwritten Diamonds Are Forever lyrics from Don Black.
The auction will raise vital funds to help Shooting Star Children’s Hospices continue supporting babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions, as well as their families.
Shooting Star Unwrapped is available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other major podcast platforms.
