Emma and Matt Willis put on an amorous display as they attended the grand naming ceremony for the Cunard’s Queen Anne ship on Monday.
Ahead of its maiden voyage, stars headed to Liverpool Pier Head for the ship’s introductory ‘lap of honour’ voyage around the British Isles.
Emma, 48, cut a glamorous figure in a busty white backless dress with an eye-catching feathered hem as she posed for snaps with her husband Matt, 41, at the event.
The couple are set to join forces as the hosts of Love Is Blind UK, which is set to be released on Netflix in August.
Emma, who hosted the ceremony alongside her spouse Matt, said: ‘Now, ships usually have a godparent to fulfil the role of blessing and naming the ship.
Emma and Matt Willis put on an amorous display as they attended the grand naming ceremony for the Cunard’s Queen Anne ship
Ahead of its maiden voyage, stars headed to Liverpool Pier Head for the ship’s introductory ‘lap of honour’ voyage around the British Isles
‘Being a godparent is an incredibly important and time-honoured tradition in maritime culture, but, today, the role of godparent takes an unprecedented turn, as Cunard bestows that honour to the city of Liverpool.’
The city of Liverpool was announced as the godparent of the ship as a recognition of the cruise line’s long-lasting bond with its ‘spiritual home’.
Mel C opted for a stylish red cargo-inspired look as she helped kickstart the ship’s first journey across the seas.
Speaking at the launch, she said: ‘I’ve always been really proud to represent Liverpool around the world, obviously as a Spice Girl and as a solo artist, but being here today is really special because we’re celebrating the city and the heritage we have here in Liverpool, so it’s really lovely for me.
‘I’ve got so much family here and generations of family that were so tied to the docks working here, so I feel very proud to be here.’ The city of Liverpool was announced as the godparent of the ship as a recognition of the cruise line’s long-lasting bond with its ‘spiritual home’.
Andrea Bocelli closed the ceremony, accompanied by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.
The crowd were also treated to performances from Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts and DJ Lauren Lo Sung.
Cunard’s first transatlantic crossing departed from Liverpool in July 1840 and the city was home to the company’s headquarters for 128 years.
Katie McAlister, president of Cunard, said: ‘Liverpool is the spiritual home of Cunard and we are therefore delighted, and feel it very fitting, that the city of Liverpool is the godparent to Queen Anne.
Emma cut a glamorous figure in a busty white backless dress with an eye-catching feathered hem as she posed for snaps with her husband Matt at the event.
Mel C opted for a stylish red cargo-inspired look as she helped kickstart the ship’s first journey across the seas
Andrea Bocelli closed the ceremony, accompanied by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Cunard’s first transatlantic crossing departed from Liverpool in July 1840 and the city was home to the company’s headquarters for 128 years
‘It’s testament to the enduring relationship that connects Cunard and the city in which it was founded to the present day when we officially named our new ship on the Liverpool waterfront, in front of the Cunard Building.
‘We are equally delighted to have our five chosen Liverpool icons represent the city in the ceremony.
‘All remarkable in their own right, they have inspired generations and collectively capture the essence of the city that has shaped global culture.’
Andrew Lewis, chief executive of Liverpool City Council, said: ‘The naming ceremony was a magnificent showpiece that once again cast Liverpool into the limelight and we are so proud to be forever entwined with Queen Anne as she sails the world.
‘We will always cherish our long-standing relationship with Cunard.’
The 113,000-tonne ship, which houses 3,000 guests and has 14 decks, set off on her maiden voyage from Southampton on May 3 and is stopping off in Liverpool during her maiden sailing around the British Isles.
