THE air date for this year’s Royal Variety Performance has been revealed after Bradley Walsh was replaced in favour of a new TV duo.
The Chase star, 64, hosted the annual royal event last year but bosses have opted to take the ceremony in a different direction this year.
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Amanda Holden and Alan Carr have taken over duties in their quest to become TV’s new most popular double act.
Filming took place last week at the Royal Albert Hall in London in the presence of King Charles and now its air date has finally been revealed.
Now it has been revealed that fans can tune in on Sunday 15 December at 8pm on ITV1 to see all the action from the much-loved event.
Speaking of being picked to host this year’s ceremony, Amanda said: “It truly is such an honour to be hosting the Royal Variety Performance this year. I’m still pinching myself!
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“This is a dream job and Alan is a true friend, we are already bursting with ideas and excitement, it’s going to be such a fun night!
“I’ve worked on Britain’s Got Talent for 18 years and have been so proud watching all our winners perform for the Royal Family.
“This year will be no different, so in the words of Sydnie Christmas, let’s av it!”
Her co-star Alan went on to add: “I am completely thrilled to be asked back to host the Royal Variety Performance so soon, what a compliment and an honour!
“To be able to host this magical evening with my best friend and TV wife Amanda Holden is the icing on the cake for me.
“If I have half as much fun as I did three years ago, well we are all in for a real treat.”
Elsewhere, Bradley has managed to land himself an impressive gig next year which will see him return to the stage despite his Royal Variety axe.
The star will be joined on new tour by three other TV legends – Brian Conley, Shane Richie and Joe Pasquale.
The mischievous foursome will be treating audiences to a combination of comedy, banter and legendary hits with their tour, The Prat Pack.
Inspired by songs from some of the greats like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr, the group will be taking to the stage in Spring 2025.
Their music idols – called The Rat Pack – have also inspired the name of their tour, where they will be joined by their own 15-piece band.
Bradley Walsh’s career
Actor, presenter and comedian Bradley Walsh has been involved with multiple hit programmes throughout his career. Let’s take a look at some of the star’s memorable appearances over the years.
- Wheel of Fortune (1997): Bradley became the second host of the popular game show, succeeding Nicky Campbell who’d left after eight years. His tenure on this programme lasted just one year.
- Night and Day (2002-2003): A recurring role on this mystery soap opera for ITV saw Bradley play Woody Dexter, brother to Danny Dexter (Shane Richie).
- Coronation Street (2004-2006): An expansion of Corrie’s Baldwin family in 2006 saw Bradley arrive as Danny Baldwin, son to Mike (Johnny Briggs). He exited the ITV soap after two years in the role.
- Law & Order: UK (2009-2014): An iteration of Dick Wolf’s popular US “Law and Order” franchise, Bradley starred as DS Ronnie Brooks throughout the entire run.
- The Chase/Beat the Chasers: (2009/2020 – present): A move back into game show hosting has seen Bradley front hit show The Chase since 2009. Members of the public take on high-level professional quizzers in a bid to win thousands of pounds. A spin-off, “Beat the Chasers” began in 2020.
- Cash Trapped (2016-2019): This game show was not only presented by Bradley, but based on his idea. 65 episodes aired across three series.
- Doctor Who (2018-2022): Bradley played the role of Graham O’Brien, companion to the Thirteenth Doctor (Jodie Whittaker) in the long-running BBC sci-fi series. He has appeared in one episode as a guest since departing the regular cast.
- Blankety Blank (2020 – present): The star began hosting a revival series of the beloved game show for the BBC in 2020. Three series and a Christmas special have aired to date.
- The Larkins (2021-2022): An adaptation of H.E. Bates’ novel The Darling Buds of May, Bradley starred as “Pop” Larkin. The show lasted two series.
- Gladiators (2024 – present): Bradley co-presents the BBC’s revival of the classic game show with his son Barney. It is the third iteration of the format to air on British TV.
