What the World Needs Now Is Love - Thank You Players

A heart-warming TV spot from People’s Postcode Lottery launches tonight, starring Ellie Goulding performing a stunning new version of the classic 1960s hit What the World Needs Now. It debuts tonight at 9.15pm during Channel 4’s hit comedy game show, Taskmaster.

Created by People’s Postcode Lottery’s in-house creative team and GOOD Agency, and directed by J Marlow through Outsider, the advert was shot on a street in Orpington and follows comedian and actor Tom Allen as he visits Postcode Lottery player “Sarah” with a message of thanks.

In a show of gratitude, Tom steps aside to reveal Ellie Goulding, who delivers a mesmerising kerb side performance of her rendition of the iconic song, originally sung by Jackie DeShannon and a top 10 hit in 1965.
Ellie’s emotive vocals take viewers on a journey, showcasing the incredible impact of player funding on charities across the UK. The film highlights the work of seven long-term supported charities, each expressing their gratitude to Sarah and thanking all players for their contributions.

Ellie, who performed the song on a grand piano, said: “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 £1.4 billion going to charities from players of People’s Postcode Lottery is a lot of love in these turbulent times”.

A 90” special is also going out on ITV during The Voice final, naturally aligning Ellie’s song performance with the most iconic song show on TV. A broader campaign, also planned and bought by the7stars, spans SVOD, BVOD, online video, and social media, and is supported by a geo-targeted Digital OOH campaign, with regional shoutouts thanking players in key regions.