Simon Cowell is organising a charity single for the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire.
The song will be a cover of Bridge Over Troubled Water, originally sung by Simon and Garfunkel. Celebrities including Louisa Johnson, Stormzy and Rita Ora have already confirmed their involvement.
“The amount of people that have actually agreed to it and gone out of their way to do it is incredible, especially how busy some of these people are,” said Johnson. “I feel honoured to be a part of it.”
Cowell lives in the same London borough as the fire took place and described the incident as “heartbreaking”.
Directed by Gareth Malone, the single will include an ensemble of 300 people, including local choirs and residents.
“[Simon Cowell] is from ITV, I’m from the BBC, and it felt like a really nice message about working together,” said Malone.
“Singing absolutely cannot fix anything, a record cannot fix anything, but we might be able to raise some money, we might be able to touch a few hearts.”
“To be frank I don’t care what it sounds like, it’s just about doing something good.” he added.
So far, at least 58 people are believed to be dead, with hundreds of more residents made homeless from last week’s fire.
Police have said that the total number of people presumed dead or missing has increased to 79.
“Over the last 48 hours a huge amount of effort has been undertaken by our investigators to understand as completely as we possibly can just how many people are missing who were in Grenfell Tower that night. If they are missing I do presume sadly that they are also dead.” said Commander Stuart Cundy of the Metropolitan police.
“It’s a hugely complex situation. Sadly today, as of 8am this morning, the number has increased. I believe there are 79 people who are either dead, or missing and sadly I have to presume are dead.”
“The terrible reality of the fire on that night means that some of those that we are supporting have lost a number of their family members.”
“It’s really inspiring to see people come together. It gives you hope in humanity.” said singer Emeli Sandé, who will be on the track.