hello. this is bbc news. the latest headlines: brazil has welcomed in the 2019 with a fireworks display above the present copacabana beach in rio. in london, big ben, the great earl of london, big ben, the great earl of london parliament's london, big ben, the great earl of london pa rliament‘s clocktower was bought out to ring in the new year. —— london's clocktower. three people including a police officer have been wounded in a stabbing in the northern english city of manchester. one man has been arrested. a bbc staff member who witnessed the attacks said the suspect shouted "allah", and slogans criticising the actions of western governments in the middle east. the world food programme says that food aid in yemen is being stolen in areas under the control of houthi rebels and illegally sold. a separate news agency investigation had found a similar misuse of food aid in regions under the sway of the saudi—led coalition. now it's time for one of our highlights of the year — a special programme about the unique

choir, who played their part in celebrating the royal wedding of harry and meghan. trish adudu presents the royal wedding singalong. the marriage between harry and meghan has put smiles on faces all over the world. their engagement six months ago inspired gospel singer sandra godley to come up with an idea, to find volunteer singers to form an amateur choir and record a charity single as a wedding gift to the happy couple. but it's no ordinary choir. all her singers are facing up to physical or mental difficulties in their lives. # and life is like.... at the age of four, i was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. the doctors said i wouldn't live to see 16.

we're looking for people with all sorts of abilities, all sort of backgrounds, and boy, have we got them. for sandra and her choir, it's been a roller—coaster of a ride. i mean, i had a major emotional meltdown this morning. this week's been rough. this morning was the first time i managed to get in without having a panic attack. taking them to places and performances they could only dream of. but as the wedding draws closer... just move, just swap over. has she bitten off more than she can chew? we've just had an invitation to windsor. can i pull it off? sandra godley is a professional singer—songwriter, who has performed her music all over the world. hello! she lives in coventry, a couple of hours from where harry and meghan are due to tie the knot in windsor castle. —— she lives in coventry,

a couple of hours from harry and meghan‘s wedding venue at windsor castle. so, sandra, what's the inspiration to this choir? the inspiration has come through the amazing work prince harry and his family have done, particularly with organisations like invictus. fantastic work. they start walking down the road towards the mall. the big overriding thing for me is the memory i've always had of him, prince harry, walking behind the coffin of his late mother, and only recently being able to talk about that in public. it really has been inspiration for me to move forward with this project. so what's so special about this choir? what are you looking for? oh, i'm looking for amazing people. people who've faced challenges, either physical challenges orjust challenges in terms of stress and anxiety. so that combination coming together is going to be really, really unique, and it sets the choir apart from any other choir, i think. immediately, sandra faces her first hurdle. will anyone actually volunteer to help her get her royal wedding singalong off the ground? well, soon word spreads.

sandra's idea strikes the right chord. bbc coventry and warwickshire. it starts making headlines. a gospel singer from coventry is creating a special choir to perform in the leadup to prince harry and meghan markle's wedding, this may. and it's not long before the demo tapes start rolling in. # so far away, but still so near # # created me... i just kind of locked myself in a room, you know, every time i got four or five that came in and just blown away by the fact that someone would put their time into putting their face in front of a video and saying, "this is me". # going up to yonder...# that's what got me — people just stood wherever they wanted, in their bedrooms, outside the house, in the car, nervously just saying, "this is what i've got,

will you listen to it?". absolutely moving. # lean on me. # when you're not strong. # i'll help you carry on. one of the many people moved to get in touch is rupak, who has suffered decades of depression. in recent years, i've started suffering quite a lot from anxiety, crying and everything. getting very emotional, not wanting to go out. can't even face getting out of bed and seeing anybody, or talking to anybody. the idea of standing up and singing in public was one of the scariest things i could imagine doing. and then i thought, no, i could never do that. as soon as i said that, there's a part of me that will not back down from a challenge. whatever happens, i have to try this. jonty g also responded to sandra's call to action. i was diagnosed with duchenne muscular dystrophy at

the age of four. the doctors said that by the age of eight i'd be in a wheelchair and i wouldn't live to see 16. and i'm 29 now, yeah. former car parts worker dave is in pain 2a hours a day from a nerve disease that stops him from walking. it affects every part of the body, from the top of the head to the bottom of the feet. every nerve in the body is affected. ilike singing. i think choirs sound brilliant, and it's a release. with so many people wanting to join in her royal wedding singalong, sandra holds auditions to narrow the field. the venue — the awesome interior of coventry cathedral. # and life is like a song. # if you need me, call me. # no matter where you are. # summertime and the living's easy... scores of people turn up to face sandra and her panel ofjudges. for many, the biggest stage they have ever sung on. so, canjonty g, rupak and dave impress her? singing, for me, is really a way for me to release my

stress and tensions. and, i feel so free when i'm singing. i think it changes a lot of people's lives but it also changes me. # like a bridge over troubled waters. # i will lay me down. i think you're anxious, you want it to go well. even walking in, standing in a particular position for a certain amount of time while they're recording, it was challenging but good. # i will lay me down. rupak is trying hard to stop her nerves from getting the better of her. i've decided to go for this, and yet i find the whole thing really terrifying.

i keep telling myself that the worst thing that can happen is that you will stand up there and you won't get to be able to sing. that's the worst thing, the voice won't come out. and that's fine, that's all right. the sky is not going to fall in. it's not the end of the world. but it'sjust, for some reason, it's just really terrifying. # i'm all out of love. # i'm so lost without you. i was absolutely terrified. when i was standing there, my legs were shaking, my hands were shaking. everything was shaking! my body was just working against me, and i didn't think it was going to happen. i was scared, really scared. # what am i without you? # i can't be too late. # to say that i was so wrong. applause you did say that you don't have to be a great singer, you have to have heart.

so the heart i have plenty of. # take the ribbon from your hair. and then it's time for dave and his baritone to take centre stage. # shake it loose and let it fall. # lying soft against my skin. my boots were shaking before i put them on. it was quite nerve—racking. so nerve—racking, in fact — his mind goes blank. # i would take nothing from you... sorry... i'm in front of the judges, warbling away, the first verse was fine, the second verse, going fine and suddenly, third line, gone, disappeared. this third line had just vanished

like a rabbit from a hat. it was nowhere. and that was it. there were moments when i had to get up out of my chair and help one or two of them who were struggling a little bit, but then just found their backbone, as it were, and suddenly you see these people come alive. at the end of the auditions, we were all singing together, everybody, from the helpers through to the people who were there to audition. it was a realjamboree, as it were. so, yeah, absolutely scared to start off with, but totally rejoicing and happy at the end of it. whittling more than 200 hopefuls down to the 26 who will make up the choir takes several days. and then it's time to break the good news to the successful singers. hello. hello, is that francis? yes, it is. hello, darling. listen, i've got some good news for you. 0n good friday. i want to tell you that you've made it through to the choir. singing

thank you! 0h, she's started early, singing. that's lovely. jonty g has also made the cut. so excited, i was literally sitting there thinking, oh wow, i'm so glad that i've made it through. and it was just amazing to get that call. and despite the nerves, so have dave and rupak. it was just fantastic to get the phone call. i was like, i'm not going to get the phone call, i've had it, you know, and then that was it, it was there. and it was — ijust felt lifted. i had my speech ready to say because i was complete... are you sure? me, rupak? yes, you got through, and i was like... i was just really surprised. and the name of the new choir, gosp—ability. # i should be so lucky. # lucky, lucky, lucky.

# i should be so lucky in love. gospeljust really reflects my background and that's basically based on love and giving away, that's great. but the ability side of the title really does, for me, i guess, give some definition in terms of, we're looking for people with all sorts of abilities and backgrounds, and boy, have we got them. she has her choir but now she needs a song. fit for a prince and his bride. what comes first, the melody or the lyrics? i start dreaming and i think, what am i thinking about? this is a love song, so of course, love hearts everywhere. a lot of pressure, you know, you've got to create this song fit for a prince and a soon to be duchess. oh my goodness, huge pressure, but actually, what i try to do is simplify everything, simple lyrics that will relate to everybody. ok, let's hear a bit. you know, harry's

a bit of a groover. there's a strong rhythm in this song, so i think it fitsjust about everybody‘s tastes and i'm looking forward to hearing, harry, what you think about this song. # without you, there is no song... so that's me really saying without, you know, love, you're not going to get very far. and i feel that those lyrics are apt for our royal couple. the tune is called the big love song, and sandra now hears that her choir will notjust be recording a charity single, they have also been invited to perform it live at the magnificent guildhall in windsor. 36 hours before the couple tie the knot. everything is falling into place. the big love song is written, and there is a live gig at windsor in the pipeline. with the wedding just a month away, the choir are gathering for rehearsals and beginning to jam. elvis! do you want to borrow my glasses? laughter

cheering all these people, 26 of them, have come, actually not expecting that they would become friends, that they would have this common journey together. fine being friends, but can sandra get them to sing? # when you... you don't kind of dip your head into that. singing scales not bad, and her big love song is going down well. # no matter what some may say, love will go all the way. # without you, there is no song. my gosh, it's a bit nerve—racking, but so exciting. i'm loving it, i'm absolutely loving every minute. i feel quite honoured to be a part of it, really i do. this morning was the first time i managed to get into coventry

without having a panic attack. so, yeah, i'm really happy that i got here and i wasn't shaking. the people are so amazing, you know, everybodyjust seems so positive about life and, you know, they're really getting into this opportunity and, you know, we're singing for a royal. what can i say? but not everybody is finding the choir easy. i had a major emotional meltdown this morning. this week's been rough, i fell apart, and for some reason for all of last week, i started to think — feel like a fraud. i felt look at the talent in this group, what am i doing there? i'm gonna start the first line, remember, 0k, got that, no diva moments until later. the first rehearsal was full of adrenaline and everyone just wanted to be there, they'd never seen each other before, fun and games et cetera. during the second rehearsal, i thought, is this actually going to happen? i need people who are still dynamic and full of energy. i actually found that some

of them had lost their confidence a little bit. my health problems and issues i feel like they're self—inflicted because they come from inside, the enemy sits inside me, it's not something from the outside. and i've felt so horrible about myself that i've done this to me, nobody else has. so much respect and awe for the people in the group who are dealing with this. that wasn't in their control. sandra is at the helm, steering it all. i think she knows when you're having a bad moment because she sometimes looks at you, you know, are you all right? people who have stood and said i want to come forward and bare my all even though i've had these issues, they are very brave, i see them all as being really brave. i'm here and i'm so grateful. back here again and the sun is shining, we had an amazing rehearsal, and this is really what life is about, not the horrible voice in the head that constantly tries to overwhelm me. and all too soon it is time to get into the studio to record the single.

the recording, that's where i was nervous. i thought, blimey, watch me muff it up now. recording the song, the big love song, was one of the most exciting and rewarding things i've ever done and i've recorded an awful lot. here they were, 26 people, in their clothes, dressed up, and that made a difference because they felt they were at work, doing something they should be doing. it was like a nuclear reactor going off and we were all beginning to spark and all of a sudden you hit that explosion and everybody is in the same moment. 0h! you're off. it's a great feeling. the sound was amazing, the whole thing about coming together is important and being a team and being a family and that's the strength of the choir. cheering they've recorded a charity single, battled their demons, and made lifelong friends.

now, with the wedding gig in windsorjust weeks away, they face a new and unexpected challenge. gosp—ability have been invited to perform live here at coventry cathedral in front of a huge audience including the man presiding over the royal wedding, the archbishop of canterbury. our first gig at coventry cathedral in front of the archbishop, i don't think it gets much better than that. listen, there's someone at the back, i'm not sure which guy it is, they're singing a different part. just keep to the melody, try and listen to everybody, 0k. one, two, three. the studio, there's a certain amount of control that can be held by the people doing the recording. a live performance, you're out there, on the edge of the crevice, and if you drop a clanger you've dropped a clanger. so the kind of things that could happen, somebody forgets their words.

0r someone decides that they really don't want to be part of it and it's just too enormous, "you didn't tell us it was like this". the big thing for me because i've tried to teach them how to sway from left to right which may not seem a big thing. but if you have someone going in completely the wrong direction... and on the day of gosp—ability‘s first live performance you could feel the excitement. it's gonna be great. just remember to focus, lots of smiles. sandra does such a good job of making us feel comfortable, coming into this cathedral on a very hot day, with a big hug, i'm just thrilled, i want to do it now. it's gonna be great. i've just walked into the cathedral, stepped in and seen all these chairs, looked straight up the aisle, and thought, gosh, we're going to be singing here today, the first time singing in public like this, and in front of the archbishop of canterbury. 0h! that's all i can say. you know sandra, who leads it, is an old mate of mine from when i was working here.

she is an extraordinary choir leader, the way she enables people to find talents and gifts that they had no idea that they had, it's a liberation of the people involved. remember this, guys. i cannot hold a note in my head and i will spend the service when they're singing, listening, thinking, "i can't do that". over 700 people here to see this concert, gosp—ability simply have to deliver. # no matter what some might say, your love will go all the way # without you there is no song you know where you belong # no matter what some might say, your love will go all the way

will # without you there is no song applause amazing, this has been a dream come true. you know, i was so nervous because we practised and practised, we encouraged, we prayed and everything. and you know, will they deliver, that was the question, and they did. they were so incredible. i was in heaven. that was just brilliant, absolutely wonderful. rupak, how do you feel it went? i think it went really well, really well. it was a bit hairy for a lot of us but we really enjoyed it, i really enjoyed it. i couldn't control myself. i was really enjoying it, the energy was phenomenal. and to just see the crowd respond

to them when they were singing, clapping and cheering, it was incredible. i loved every moment of it. wow. i want to thank everybody in this group for making me a part of it. # lean on me # when you're not strong # and i'll be yourfriend #. but that was all just a rehearsal for what would be their biggest gig to date, singing live on the bbc at the guildhall in windsor in the run—up to harry and meghan‘s wedding. for that performance, they will have an audience of millions. the royal notch. ijust 30 six hours

away and they are keen to join in the fray. going to have some fun? we are going to do ourselves proud. listen, the single is out as well. we are now on itunes which is fantastic, and i want you to get as many people downloading that single as possible. gosp—ability choir! enjoy the day! we've got one another, we've got great rehearsals, we know what we are doing and the song hasjust been released and we are so happy. it is going to be such a wonderful wedding and a wonderful day! and the crowds are treated to an impromptu street performance... all: gosp-ability! but with the clock ticking,

soon it is time to gather in the grandeur of the guildhall. shortly before their date with the one show, sandra reveals she has received a royal letter. so, sandra, you were keeping this a secret from the choir? a big secret. listen, it's a letter from kensington palace, from prince harry and meghan markle, saying they wish us the warmest, best wishes for the performance tonight on the one show! a personal letterfrom prince harry. what more could happen? in the audience, many of the choir‘s family and friends in the audience, including rupa k‘s sister. rupak‘s about to go on television. how does it feel? fantastic. i can't describe how proud we feel of her. it's amazing. then it's lights, camera, action! alexjones: now we're heading back to windsor for a one night only performance from a choir with people who've overcome physical and mental challenges. this is their wedding gift — with big love song, it's gosp—ability.

# a letter arrived from heaven # a secret song to sing # a never—ending love song # a song to make dreams big # no matter what some may say # your love will go all the way # without you there is no song # you're up where you belong... amazing, i can't describe howjoyful i am for having that opportunity. i never thought, suffering from addiction before that, i never thought in two years' time i would be singing for the royal family. it's amazing. it's humbling.

we are like family, we have created a bond that goes beyond just this. it is unbreakable and it goes right to the heart. any opportunity anyone wants to give us, we're ready to sing. # without you there is no song...# they think i'm crazy, because each time they are singing bigger and better. but, boy, are they switched on? somehow we have a bunch of people just now reaching for the stars! # your love will go all the way # without you there is no song #. who are you? all: gosp-ability! cheering go where? all: gosp-ability! # gosp—ability hello.

for many, new year's day will bring some fine and increasingly sunny weather. still initially quite windy across the northern isles with a scattering of showers here. more in the way of cloud for southern parts of northern ireland into wales and south—west england. maybe with the odd spot of rain, but that cloud will slowly thin and break, and elsewhere, lots of sunshine developing through the day. the wind starting to ease down, particularly across northern scotland, but still a brisk breeze blowing down eastern coasts, and despite some sunshine, highs ofjust 6 or 7 celsius, always tempered by the breeze. still holding onto something milder further south and west, but not for long. through new year's day into wednesday, things do turn very cold, particularly across the western side of the uk. further east, we'll keep more cloud and that breeze, so temperatures here hovering above freezing. but further west, temperatures widely at or below zero. so it will be a widespread

frost to start wednesday, and that's the theme for the first week of 2019. plenty of sunshine by day, cold, frosty and foggy overnight, but dry for most. happy new year. welcome to bbc news, broadcasting to viewers in north america and around the globe. my name is duncan golestani. our top stories: huge crowds on the copacabana beach, as rio dejaneira becomes one of the latest cities to see in the new year. a warning for washington — north korea's leader says he may change course on denuclearisation. a man is arrested after stabbing three people in manchester. counter—terrorism police are leading the investigation. and 6.5 billion kilometres from earth, nasa prepares for the furthest flyby ever performed in space.