ITV talent show X Factor has announced it will release a cover of the Rose Royce classic 'Wishing on a star' to raise money for ACT & Childrens Hospices UK, the charity formed after a merger last week to create a "single voice for children's palliative care".
X Factor's 16 finalists will record the single, produced by luminary music producer Biff, later this week and a video will be shot later this month.
Barbara Gelb, CEO of ACT & Children's Hospices UK says: "We are delighted to be the beneficiary of this year's X Factor charity single.
"The money raised from this single gives us the opportunity to improve the lives of these children and families - and crucially raise awareness of the valuable support they need, wherever they live and for as long as they need it. Every single bought - either online or through the high street - will make such a difference."
'Wishing on a star' will be the fourth charity single to be released by X Factor. The show has previously twice supported armed forces charity Help for Heroes, releasing a cover of David Bowie's 'Heroes' last year, and a cover of Maria Carey's 'Hero' in 2008. In 2009 the chosen charity was Great Ormond Street Hospital, which benefitted from the proceeds of a cover of Michael Jackson's 'You're not alone'.
ACT & Children's Hospices UK will receive all net record proceeds from sales of this year's single.
Simon Cowell has been involved with ACT & Children's Hospices UK for many years: "Having worked close hand with this charity and seeing the amazing work they do for kids and their families who need help and support, I'm thrilled that the X Factor charity single this year will benefit this charity," he said.
ACT & Children's Hospices UK were separately two of the largest children's palliative care charities in the UK before their merger, announced on 7 October. The new combined charity "brings together, for the first time, all those involved in children's palliative care, from the children, young people and families themselves to the professionals and organisations who provide the full range of care and support," the charity said when announcing the merger.
