BT teams up with Sophie Ellis-Bextor to search for the UK’s Unbreakable lockdown heroes

May 10, 2021 | Business

  • BT launches search to identify and celebrate the ‘Unbreakable’ spirts of lockdown – the hero members of public who have kept Brits entertained and motivated via the power of the internet, during a unique and challenging year

  • BT is joined in the search by Sophie Ellis-Bextor, who was one of ten celeb favourites awarded BT’s Unbreakable status in a poll of 2,000 Brits, for entertaining millions during lockdown

  • People can now nominate their everyday Unbreakable heroes from the past year for recognition by visiting: www.BTUnbreakables.co.uk

  • These everyday Unbreakable heroes will be highlighted during BT’s Unbreakable Disco, a one-off live streamed performance by Sophie on Thursday 3rd June, powered by BT’s Hybrid Broadband, the UK’s first unbreakable home wi-fi, backed up by EE’s award-winning mobile network

BT has teamed-up with Sophie Ellis-Bextor, to find and celebrate the members of the public who have been the truly Unbreakable spirits of lockdown.

The past twelve months have seen people dealing with some exceptional challenges, and it was the true spirit of many everyday heroes that kept the nation going. BT is now urging Brits to share stories of those individuals who used the power of the internet to make a difference this lockdown, to mark the roll out of the UK’s first unbreakable home wi-fi service backed up by EE, the UK’s most reliable mobile network.

From today until 23:59 on 24th May, Brits can visit www.BTUnbreakables.co.uk to nominate individuals, as BT looks to showcase the countless inspirational stories of connection and selflessness within its Unbreakable virtual gallery – a dedicated online gallery space, featuring the nation’s nominations.

BT has partnered with Sophie Ellis-Bextor, whose own iconic live-streamed Kitchen Discos were a constant source of fun and escapism for millions during lockdown. She has been voted by Brits as one of 10 celebrity favourites, alongside Joe Wicks, Gary Barlow, Myleene Klass and Romesh Ranganathan – honorary Unbreakables, noted for their exceptional spirit in keeping the nation virtually entertained and motivated over the past 12 months.

The Top 10 list of the nation’s celebrity honorary Unbreakables (in alphabetical order):

  • Gary Barlow

  • Fearne Cotton

  • Sophie Ellis-Bextor

  • Dr Alex George

  • Myleene Klass

  • Chris Martin

  • Jamie Oliver

  • Gordon Ramsay

  • Romesh Ranganathan

  • Joe Wicks

BT’s Unbreakables roll call comes as over half of all Brits (56%) say these superheroes have helped boost spirits during a tough year – with Brits spending an average of three hours a week watching live streams.

Out of all the online live-streamed events launched during lockdown, virtual quizzes and music performances proved most popular (50%), followed by online fitness classes, with searches for online yoga classes up 500%*.

To help commemorate the nation’s unsung heroes, Sophie will return to our virtual screens to perform in BT’s Unbreakable Disco on Thursday 3rd June 2021, in a one-off live-streamed performance, powered by BT’s Hybrid Broadband, the UK’s first unbreakable home wi-fi that’s backed up by EE’s award-winning mobile network. During the show, the Murder on the Dancefloor songstress will perform her favourite tunes, dedicated to the nation’s Unbreakables, as well as share special shout-outs to some of the nation’s nominated heroes.

Sharon Meadows, Director of Propositions, BT’s Consumer Division said: “Our search for the nation’s Unbreakables is to recognise the countless unsung heroes across communities who used the power of the internet to help others during this difficult time. Whether that was through online fundraising, keeping people entertained online or ensuring family members stayed connected during lockdown.

Access to a reliable broadband connection was a core part in making this happen, so we’re proud to be celebrating the nation’s Unbreakables as we roll out our new hybrid broadband service. It offers the UK’s first unbreakable home wi-fi, backed up by EE, and is perfect for keeping customers in touch with the people and experiences they love, whether that’s tuning into a work-out, live stream DJ set or virtual quiz.”

Sophie Ellis-Bextor said: “I’ve teamed up with BT to celebrate the unsung members of the public who used the power of the internet to help people stay connected and motivated, in their own unique way. BT’s Unbreakable Disco will be a special moment to recognise these everyday Unbreakables who kept us going during more difficult times, with a set-list dedicated to the heroes and some special shout-outs. I’m excited to dance the night away in honour of all the inspirational stories emerging from lockdown.”

Fans can tune into BT’s Unbreakable Disco with Sophie Ellis-Bextor, powered by BT’s Hybrid Broadband on Thursday 3rd June 2021 at 6:30pm live on BT’s YouTube page

Notes to editors

*Google trends data for period since March 2020-May 2021

The research of 2,000 Brits was conducted by OnePoll on behalf of BT during May 2021.

About BT

BT Group is the UK’s leading telecommunications and network provider and a leading provider of global communications services and solutions, serving customers in 180 countries. Its principal activities in the UK include the provision of fixed voice, mobile, broadband and TV (including Sport) and a range of products and services over converged fixed and mobile networks to consumer, business and public sector customers. For its global customers, BT provides managed services, security and network and IT infrastructure services to support their operations all over the world. BT consists of four customer-facing units: Consumer, Enterprise, Global and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Openreach, which provides access network services to over 650 communications provider customers who sell phone, broadband and Ethernet services to homes and businesses across the UK.

For the year ended 31 March 2020, BT Group’s reported revenue was £22,905m with reported profit before taxation of £2,353m.

British Telecommunications plc is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BT Group plc and encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group. BT Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange.

For more information, visit www.bt.com/about