Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and X Factor stars use poppies to inspire Two Minute Silence

Celebrities from the world of television, sport and music, including X Factor hosts Olly Murs and Caroline Flack, Apprentice stars Lord Sugar and Karren Brady and Britain’s Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon have been filmed holding poppies to their lips ahead of the silence at 11am on Armistice Day on November 11.

They, along with Rudimental musicians Piers Agget and Kesi Dryden, TV host Jools Holland and sports stars Jessica Ennis-Hill and Andrew Flintoff, are appearing in a new film from the Royal British Legion to raise awareness and understanding about the charity’s annual silence, which takes place at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month and marks the Armistice Treaty, which ended the First World War on November 11, 1918.

The two minute-long movie by Gary Tarn follows research showing 38 per cent of 1,000 people are not planning to observe the silence, which was introduced by King George V in November 1919.

Of 18 to 25-year-olds questioned, 67 per cent do not know when Armistice Day actually is, and 29 per cent of the same age group say they are likely to browse the internet during the Two Minute Silence.

The Rt Rev Nigel McCulloch, national chaplain to the Royal British Legion, said: “Modern life is lived at an incredibly fast pace, but it is hugely important that people find the time to remember and respect those that have sacrificed – and continue to make sacrifice – in the service of our country.

“The Two Minute Silence on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month is as relevant today as it was when it was introduced by King George V in 1919.

“The Legion is thankful to the people who have taken part in the film for helping to publicise the importance of the Two Minute Silence and we hope it reminds everyone to suspend their normal activities for a brief period of time on Armistice Day in memory of the fallen.”