Ellie Goulding has recorded a stunning new version of classic 1960s song What the World Needs Now for a new TV advert paying tribute to the supporters of some of Britain’s best loved charities.
The star, 37, is seen playing a grand piano as she performs a mesmerising rendition of the hit, which entered the top 10 in 1965 when it was originally sung by Jackie DeShannon.
Ellie delivered the special performance during a promo video for People’s Postcode Lottery – a weekly subscription lottery that has seen players raise more than £1.4billion for good causes.
The heartwarming clip begins with comedian and actor Tom Allen visiting the home of People’s Postcode Lottery player ‘Sarah’ and thanking her for doing her bit for charity.
The 41-year-old then steps aside to reveal Ellie, dressed in a crisp camel coat with structured shoulder pads, who begins her heartfelt recital.
Ellie Goulding performs a new version of classic 1960s song What the World Needs Now for a new TV advert
The star, 37, is seen playing a grand piano as she performs a mesmerising rendition of the hit, which entered the top 10 in 1965 when it was originally sung by Jackie DeShannon
Ellie delivered the special performance during a promo video for People’s Postcode Lottery – a weekly subscription lottery that has seen players raise more than £1.4billion for good causes
While the evocative mood lighting gives the feel of a studio performance, the video was actually shot on a residential street in Orpington, Greater London.
Ellie’s emotive vocals take viewers on a journey, showcasing the incredible impact of player funding on charities across the UK.
The feel-good film highlights the work of seven long-term supported charities, which each express their gratitude to Sarah and thank all players for their contributions.
Commenting on the ad, Ellie says: ‘It’s a pleasure to record such an iconic song. What The World Needs Now is timeless, with a message of hope for everyone and £1.4billion going to charities from players of People’s Postcode Lottery is a lot of love in these turbulent times.’
The ad first debuted on Thursday on Channel 4’s hit comedy game show, Taskmaster, and will also appear on ITV during the final of The Voice.
The clip begins with comedian and actor Tom Allen, 41, visiting the home of People’s Postcode Lottery player ‘Sarah’ (pictured) and thanking her for doing her bit for charity
Tom (pictured) then steps aside to reveal Ellie, dressed in a crisp camel coat with structured shoulder pads, who begins her heartfelt recital
Ellie’s emotive vocals take viewers on a journey, showcasing the incredible impact of player funding on charities across the UK, including the Trussell Trust
Its down to earth setting is something of a throwback to Ellie’s earliest years as a musician, which saw her talent spotted at an open mic night while she was studying music and drama at the University of Kent.
Her 2010 debut album, Lights, propelled her into the celebrity A-list, and she was invited to perform at the wedding reception of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011, where she sang Sir Elton John’s Your Song.
Ellie’s last full-length release was her 2023 album Higher Than Heaven, but she’s since worked with electronic musician Four Tet for a collaborative new single, In My Dreams.
The seven charities featured in her ad with People’s Postcode Lottery are Royal British Legion, Battersea Dogs Home, Royal Voluntary Service, Trussell, Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, OnSide Youth Zones and Riding for the Disabled Association.
Riding for the Disabled Association is also featured in the heartwarming clip
The film highlights the work of seven long-term supported charities, which each express their gratitude to Sarah and thank all players for their contributions
The youth charity OnSide also starred in the feel-good campaign
Michael Bishop, CEO of Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), said: ‘RDA is delighted to feature in this uplifting campaign and show the impact of RDA’s work with disabled people, enriching lives through horses.
‘Our work is needed more than ever and, like thousands of charities across Britain, we simply couldn’t deliver our life-changing services without the long-term support and crucial funding raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.’
Mark Harrison, Head of Creative at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: ‘I am extremely proud of this campaign as it sets a new standard for us creatively and highlights what we do every day as a charity-focused lottery.
‘Our starting point was an ad produced by our sister lottery in the Netherlands, Nationale Postcode Loterij, named Thank you, Johan.
‘Our creative team built on this, collaborating with GOOD Agency, and J Marlow from Outsider, to create an iconic soundtrack that I know will make a lasting impression across the nation.’
Ellie appearing last month at The Perfect World Foundation Award Gala in Sweden
The Love Me Like You Do hitmaker received The Perfect World Foundation’s honorary Conservation Award
Ellie, who announced her split from her husband Caspar Jopling in February, has had a busy year on the celebrity circuit and was spotted earlier this month at the Chiltern Firehouse 10th anniversary party.
A month earlier, the Love Me Like You Do hitmaker dazzled in a shimmering silver gown as she made an appearance at a glitzy environmental charity gala in Sweden that was also attended by Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York.
The Perfect World Foundation Award Gala is an annual event that honours individuals who have made significant contributions to conservation, and this year’s event was held at Börsen in Gothenburg.
Ellie received The Perfect World Foundation’s honorary Conservation Award for her work championing environmental causes.