Silva Screen Records are releasing the second single from the certified silver ‘BBC Children In Need album ‘Got It Covered’. ‘Never Grow Up’ by British actor Shaun Dooley (Broadchurch, Misfits, Gentleman Jack) and Grimethorpe Colliery Band is a unique take of Taylor Swift’s original 2010 song.

Proceeds of the sales of the album and single will go towards the BBC Children In Need Charity, with a minimum of £1.50 per album being donated.

This beautiful rendition breathes new depths into the song, with Shaun’s husky vocals being reminiscent of Leonard Cohen, and the swelling brass contrasting the original’s simple guitar backing.

With the message of a parent’s love to their children as they grow up and find independence, Shaun chose the song as a tribute to his own children, and its meaning has blossomed into something hugely impactful by doing so.

Commenting on the reason for selecting this track, Shaun says that, “I was acutely aware that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity, to record a track to go on an actual album with brilliant producers at Abbey Road. ‘Never Grow Up’ was instantly my first choice, as I’ve been singing to my children at bedtime for about 5 years now.

When I heard the song, it connected with how I felt and still feel about my children: that it’s all too quick, that it just goes painfully too fast. At times I wish I could press a pause button and savour those precious moments for longer. The fact that it is for the brilliant BBC Children in Need as well seemed to all make sense.”

The track is performed with the Grimethorpe Colliery Band, hailing from the same town as Shaun, “Grimethorpe Colliery Band are privileged to have been invited to use our music to support a cause which does so much good for so many young people.” says band leader Andrew Coe, “As a Barnsley lad, Shaun immediately struck up a very special relationship with the band members and they have thoroughly enjoyed working with him. Shaun's choice of song was clearly very personal for him, and with Sandy Smith’s arrangement, something told us this might turn out to be very special. Anyone who has heard it can’t fail to be moved by the simple treatment.”

Taylor Swift made a surprise visit to the studio when Shaun was recording, commenting that, “I think it’s amazing that actors are making an album and doing this for BBC Children In Need, and putting themselves out there and in a situation that some of them aren’t really used to.” After an arduous first take which saw Shaun moved to tears when having to perform the song in front of his children, the visit gave him a renewed energy, “I was the last person to record and family were all there to watch. The first recording was useless, I cried throughout the whole session. I had to ask my children to move somewhere I couldn’t see otherwise there was no way I would get through the song. I managed to get two recordings down when the most astounding thing happened. An American voice came into my headphones and I looked up to see Taylor Swift. I wish I could have been cooler but instead, I stood there, repeating the word NO! She was gracious, genuine and wonderfully supportive of the whole project. She asked if I could sing it again as she only heard a small bit. Saying what any sane person would in response to Taylor Swift asking you to sing your version of her song, I said NO! I was then egged on by Polly, Olivia Colman, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and everyone to go back in and sing it. That was truly the most terrifying performance I will ever have to give.” Watch the touching video of the visit below, where Taylor expresses the honour she felt at Shaun performing the track.

BBC Children in Need: Got It Covered is a brand new venture for 2019 which involves some of the UK’s biggest names from stage and screen as they band together to produce an entire album of cover songs whilst helping to make a positive difference to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people throughout the UK.

A whole host of critically-acclaimed actors have volunteered their time to play a special part in this incredibly exciting project for BBC Children in Need this year. Among them are Helena Bonham Carter (The King’s Speech, Sweeney Todd), Jim Broadbent (Iris, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince), Olivia Colman CBE (The Favourite, Fleabag), Shaun Dooley (Gentleman Jack, Gunpowder), Luke Evans (Beauty And The Beast, Fast & Furious 7 & 8), Suranne Jones (Gentleman Jack, Doctor Foster), Adrian Lester OBE (Trauma, Hustle), Himesh Patel (Yesterday, EastEnders), David Tennant (Good Omens, Doctor Who) and Jodie Whittaker (Doctor Who, Trust Me).

A special 60-minute programme will follow the entire recording process and explore all the behind-the-scenes action as the actors face the challenging task of laying down their bespoke tracks at the legendary recording studios Rak and Abbey Road Studios in London. Each of the actors will handpick a song that is most significant to them and receive expert guidance from Brit and Mercury award-winning record producers and songwriters, Guy Chambers and Jonathan Quarmby.

Renowned vocal coach, Mark De-Lisser will also be at hand to assist the actors with producing their tracks. The programme will also shine a light on the projects funded by BBC Children in Need, with a selection of the actors visiting projects to see first-hand the difference their support will make to young lives.

Mel Balac, Executive Producer and Creative Director at BBC Studios, says: “Many of the actors have said trying to nail the role of recording artist has been their most challenging role yet. The personally curated playlist that is being created in aid of Pudsey will be big on musical surprises and laughs, while highlighting the fantastic charities and causes BBC Children in Need supports. Bring on the drama!”

Kate Phillips, Controller, Entertainment Commissioning for the BBC, says: “I’m delighted and so impressed by the outstanding array of actors who have agreed to step out of their comfort zones and help raise money for BBC Children in Need. Every year we are truly inspired by the extraordinary support we receive from thousands of people and we know this year will be no exception.”

Tommy Nagra, Director of Content at BBC Children in Need, says: “We are thrilled that this amazing line-up of acting talent are giving up their time to come together and create something quite unique for this year’s BBC Children in Need appeal. Their musical efforts will help make a difference to the thousands of disadvantaged children and young people we support across the UK and leave a lasting impact beyond this TV special. A huge thanks to everyone involved.”

Polly Dooley, Executive Producer at 20four7films, adds: “Shaun Dooley and I are immensely proud to be working with BBC Studios and Silva Screen Records, bringing Britain’s best-loved actors and record producers together to create a unique and exciting album and programme. The unbelievably generous outpouring of goodwill from all involved will no doubt raise lots of much needed funds for BBC Children in Need.”

The programme will be broadcast on BBC One ahead of the annual BBC Children in Need Appeal show. The album, in aid of BBC Children in Need, will be released in conjunction with Silva Screen Records and is set to be released later in the year.

Children in Need: Got It Covered is a co-production by BBC Studios and 20four7films. It has been commissioned by Charlotte Moore, Director, BBC Content and Kate Phillips, Controller, Entertainment Commissioning. The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Rachel Ashdown. The executive producers are Mel Balac and Polly Dooley and the director is Peter Coventry.

BBC Children in Need relies on the generosity and creativity of the thousands of supporters and fundraisers who raise millions of pounds for the charity every year. To date, the UK public has raised over £1 billion for children and young people facing disadvantage across the UK.

All profits will go to BBC Children in Need, with a minimum of £1.50 per album (charity number 802052 in England & Wales and SC039557 in Scotland).

Notes to editors:

About BBC Children in Need
BBC Children in Need’s vision is that every child in the UK has a safe, happy and secure childhood and the chance to reach their potential. The charity will realise this vision by supporting, promoting and publicising work that addresses the challenges that children and young people face and work that builds their skills and resilience.

BBC Children in Need is currently supporting over 2,800 projects in communities across the UK that are helping children and young people facing a range of disadvantages such as living in poverty, being disabled or ill, or experiencing distress, neglect or trauma.

About BBC Studios
BBC Studios, a global content company with British creativity at its heart, is a commercial subsidiary of the BBC Group. Formed in April 2018 by the merger of BBC Worldwide and BBC Studios, it spans content financing, development, production, sales, branded services and ancillaries. BBC Studios’ award-winning British programmes are internationally recognised across a broad range of genres and specialisms.

It has offices in 22 markets globally, including seven production bases in the UK and production bases and partnerships in a further nine countries around the world. The company, which makes 2500 hours of content a year, is a champion for British creativity around the world and a committed partner for the UK’s independent sector. BBC Studios has revenue of £1.4bn, and returns around £200m to the BBC Group annually, complementing the BBC’s licence fee and enhancing programmes for UK audiences.

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