Sheridan Smith fought back tears as she listened to emotional tributes from veterans during BBC’s VJ Day 75: The Nation’s Tribute on Saturday night.
The occasion marks three quarters of a century on from the formal end of the Second World War, which ceased when Japan surrendered.
The actress and singer, 39, led the star performances on the evening as she read out a memoir from the late Dame Vera Lynn and sang a medley of her songs.
Tearful: Sheridan Smith fought back tears as she listened to emotional tributes from veterans during BBC’s VJ Day 75: The Nation’s Tribute on Saturday night
Moments before wowing audiences with a collection of Vera’s wartime classics, including iconic track We’ll Meet Again, Sheridan was seen wiping away tears as the war veterans recalled their memories.
The commemorative programme was hosted by Joanna Lumley, who led viewers who a host of tributes from former servicemen and celebrities at Horse Guards Parade.
Announcing Sheridan’s segment, Joanna told viewers: ‘Dame Vera Lynn will be remembered for her contributions to the second world war, but she also has a special place in the hearts of those in the far east.’
Sheridan then read out one of Dame Vera’s diary entries from the period, which recalled her time in Burma during the war.
Wow: Nicola Roberts, 34, showcased her powerful vocals on the night, as she sang The Captive’s Hymn
Tributes: The programme included many tributes from former servicemen
Dame Vera, who died in June aged 103, spoke of how she sung her heart out in the jungle and concentrated on singing with as much feeling as he could, after experiencing their horrendous living conditions.
Other performances during the evening included one from Jamaican singer Ruby Turner, who sang a stunning rendition of Now Is The Hour.
Sir Bryn Terfel also wowed audiences with his version of Homeward Bound while Sir William White performed You’ll Never Walk Alone.
Emotional: Tributes: Moments before wowing audiences with a collection of Vera’s wartime classics, including iconic track We’ll Meet Again, Sheridan was seen wiping away tears as she listened to tributes from war veterans
Presenter: The commemorative programme was hosted by Joanna Lumley, who led viewers who a host of tributes from former servicemen and celebrities
Glam: Nicola brought glamour to the event in a form-fitting bronze dress, while she wore her flame-hued locks loose with a shimmering pallet of make-up
Nicola Roberts, 34, showcased her powerful vocals on the night, as she sang The Captive’s Hymn, which was composed by Margaret Dryburgh in the Palembang ‘houses’ camp in 1942.
The song was first sung by herself, Shelagh Brown and Dorothy MacLeod at a Sunday service and then every Sunday even throughout their later years in captivity when they encountered suffering and death all around them.
Nicola brought glamour to the event in a form-fitting bronze dress, while she wore her flame-hued locks loose with a shimmering pallet of make-up.
At the beginning of the programme, Prince William addressed the nation to honour veterans, 75 years after his great grandfather gave a speech on the end of the Second World War.
The Duke of Cambridge described how King George VI’s announcement on August 15, 1945, marked the end of ‘the most catastrophic conflict in mankind’s history.’
Thousands watched George VI and the Queen drive down The Mall in an open carriage, as they celebrated the end of the war following Imperial Japan’s surrender.
Speaking on BBC One, William said: ‘As he marked the moment the world had long prayed for, King George expressed his pride in the international effort from across the Commonwealth and allied nations which secured success in the Asia-Pacific region.
From left to right, Princess Elizabeth, Queen Elizabeth, King George VI, and Princess Margaret Rose wave from the balcony of Buckingham Palace August 15, 1945 on VJ Day in London, England
‘We are forever grateful to all those who fought alongside us.
‘It is hard for us to imagine what Victory over Japan Day must have felt like at the time; a mix of happiness, jubilation, and sheer relief, together with a deep sadness and overwhelming sense of loss for those who would never return home.
‘Today we remember those who endured terrible suffering and honour all those who lost their lives.’
The duke showed his gratitude to the wartime generation, which includes his grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh, who fought in the Far East and was aboard HMS Whelp in Tokyo Bay as the Japanese signed the surrender on the USS Missouri.
‘He remembers vividly his role in collecting released prisoners of war, a sign, as sure as any to him, that the war was finally over,’ William said.
He recited the words of the Kohima Epitaph, carved on the memorial of the 2nd British Division in the cemetery of Kohima, northeast India, which reads ‘When you go home, tell them of us and say.
‘For your tomorrow, we gave our today.’
He continued: ‘As we look back, we must not forget our responsibility to learn the lessons of the past and ensure that the horrors of the Second World War are never repeated.
‘We owe that to our veterans, to their families, and to the generations who will come after us.
‘As we mark the 75th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day, to each and every one of you who contributed to the effort, I say, thank you, our country owes you a debt of gratitude.
‘Your bravery, and the sacrifices you made, will never be forgotten.’
The address was recorded earlier in the month at The Guards Memorial, opposite Horse Guards Parade, in London.