No stranger to homelessness, Gail Porter has joined forces with a charity to highlight the plight of rough sleepers at Christmas.

The TV presenter took part in Single Homeless Project's live installation Home for Good under Camden Lock bridge.

The charity is calling on the government to increase the Local Housing Allowance and raise the benefit cap to allow Londoners to remain in their homes.

Gail, who was briefly forced into homelessness in the mid-2000s, said: “Christmas is a time for being around friends and loved ones, sharing festive cheer. 

"I know first-hand that for many people experiencing homelessness, it’s one of the loneliest and most difficult times of the year. 

"Everyone deserves a safe and cosy place to call home, so please help a fellow Londoner today. 

"You can make a difference - whether it be donating, volunteering, calling for help in an emergency or even just a smile from a friendly face - it all goes a long way.”

The installation shows a festive sitting room complete with a twinkling tree, comfy armchair and warm throws. 

In the cosy scene, a duvet lies on some damp cardboard - contrasting the bleak living conditions of rough sleepers who bed close by.

More than 4,000 Londoners face homelessness before Christmas.

Londoners pay the highest rental rates in the UK and many rely on Local Housing Allowance, which has not changed since 2019.

Liz Rutherfoord, chief executive at SHP, said: “In the time it takes to fill a Christmas stocking, one Londoner is forced into homelessness. 

"That is an inexcusable place to be in for one of the world’s richest cities and the government should be taking action. 

"We need an urgent increase in Local Housing Allowance and a proportionate raise in the benefit cap to give Londoners a fair chance and stop thousands more being forced into homelessness. 

"Everyone deserves a place to call home, for good.”

A government spokesman said: “During the pandemic we increased Local Housing Allowance significantly and beyond inflation, benefiting over one million households by an average of over £600 over the year and we’re maintaining that boost.

“Ensuring a fair deal for renters remains a priority for the Government, that’s why we will deliver on our commitment to abolish Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions.”

LISTEN AND READ: Ham&High Podcast - Gail Porter on mental health, pop music and hugs