'Keeping in touch has never mattered more': Holly Willoughby, Gordon Ramsay and more unite for mental health awareness video

'Keeping in touch has never mattered more', says Love Island host

Celebrities including Ant and Dec, David Walliams, Phillip Schofield and Laura Whitmore have appeared in a video urging people to reach out to others for mental health support during the coronavirus pandemic.

The video, which will debut on ITV and STV just before 9pm, has been released to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week, which is taking place this year from Monday 18 May to Sunday 24 May.

In the clip, some of the nation’s most famous faces get together via video call to read different lines of a message which encourages people to stay connected to others and reaching out beyond their inner circle.

Love Island host Whitmore says: “Keeping in touch has never mattered more," while Downton Abbey star Jim Carter adds: "And who hasn't felt, over these last few weeks, a bit lost?"

The video also features TV chef Gordon Ramsay, former football manager Harry Redknapp, broadcaster Lorraine Kelly and musician Will.i.am.

Rapper Tinie Tempah, actor Anna Friel and newsreader Julie Etchingham also appear in the video.

The film forms part of ITV's mental health campaign "Britain Get Talking", which the broadcaster says has seen more than 6.1m people text or call a friend or family member since 21 March.

Speaking of the initiative, Ant McPartlin said: “We are huge supporters of ITV's Britain Get Talking 2020 campaign which has been highlighting the importance of people connecting, even more so now than ever.

"It's incredible that as a result of the campaign more than six million people have got in touch with someone so far."

Celebrities came together via a video call to encourage people to reach out to others during lockdown (ITV)

Clare Phillips, director of social purpose at ITV, said she hopes the new video will inspire people to call their loved ones.

“The Britain Get Talking campaign has been playing an important role in encouraging all of us to stay in touch and talk with each other, especially as over half of Britons are more conscious of the need to look after our mental wellbeing at the moment,” she said.

“With kindness as the theme of Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re upping the level – let’s reach out to those who might not be expecting a call, as they might be the ones who need it the most.”

Paul Farmer, chief executive at Mind, praised the campaign, explaining that “we need to keep connecting and supporting each other through this, for the benefit of our mental wellbeing”.

“This is a Mental Health Awareness Week with a difference. Many of us are worried about coronavirus and how it will affect us and those we love and, for those of us with existing mental health problems, we may never have felt more isolated or alone,” Farmer said.

The film will debut on ITV and STV in the ad break for Harry’s Heroes: Euro Having A Laugh just before 9pm and is supported by charities Mind and YoungMinds.