Tom Allen’s unique style of sharp, acerbic wit and camp, comedic storytelling has seen him become a household name in the UK – and in a coup for cardies, it has been confirmed that he is to host The Henries 2021 greeting card industry awards on Thursday 7 October at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.
“After Tom’s stunning performance as host of The Henries in 2019, we have had all our fingers and toes crossed that he would be able to juggle his incredibly busy diary to be our front man for this year’s all important grand reunion awards event – and so are delighted that he is onboard!” stated Warren Lomax, co-owner of Progressive Greetings, which owns and organises The Henries, which this year will take on a Boogie Wonderland theme. “We have all waited a long time to celebrate the industry’s achievements together and October 7 will be a night to remember.”
The last couple of years have certainly been very busy for Tom with his profile and popularity soaring as a result of him hosting The Apprentice: You’re Fired, co-hosting Cooking With The Stars and Bake Off: The Professionals, appearing regularly on Bake Off: An Extra Slice and Alan Carr’s There’s Something About Movies as well as performing on Mock The Week, Live At The Apollo, Hypothetical, Insert Name Here, The Royal Variety Performance, 8 Out Of 10 Cats, Cats Does Countdown, Would I Lie to You and Roast Battle.
Tom also has his own Radio 4 series – Tom Allen Is Not Very Nice – and also has made regular appearances on radio shows including Just A Minute, The News Quiz and Loose Ends.
His Absolutely tour of 2018 and 2019 was extended multiple times, selling over 50,000 tickets, including a sold out show atAbove: The quick witted Tom Allen was not flummoxed by Brainbox Boys’ attire at the last Henries, which was filmed and broadcast on Channel 4.
He will also be teaming up with Jessica Knappett and Munya Chawawa for a new Channel 4 series Complaints Welcome, as well as hosting a new show on Dave, The Island. Both shows are due to air this autumn.
On top of all this, Tom has also written a critically acclaimed Sunday Times bestseller memoir, No Shame.
The judging is well underway on The Henries product categories, with approaching 100 retail buyers, overseas distributors and wholesalers currently finalising their votes so that the finalists can be revealed in a few weeks’ time.
Meanwhile, nominations are pouring in from independent retailers in the Best Service to the Independent Retailer category, in which they have been asked to name which three greeting card publishers they feel have provided them with the best service over the last year.
Indies who have not yet had a chance to cast their votes for their top three card suppliers on the service front, have until 5pm this Friday (20 August) by clicking here.
As ever, there will be three awards in the Best Service category of The Henries – a Bronze, Silver and the ultimate Gold.
Tickets and tables can be reserved quickly and securely online by visiting Max-Tickets.net or by contacting Clare Hollick at Create Events: clare@createvents.co.uk or +44 (0)1183 340085.
Top: Tom Allen in full flow at The Henries 2019.
