brad's off
Bradley Walsh replaced as host of Royal Variety Performance with BGT star landing prestigious role for first time
Elton John will be making a special appearance during the annual event
BRADLEY Walsh has been dumped as the host of the Royal Variety Performance in favour of a much-loved fan favourite TV duo.
The Chase presenter, 64, hosted the annual broadcast last year but ITV chiefs have opted to snap up two other stars instead, marking the first time the programme will have been hosted by a pair since 2019.
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Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden, 53, will be hosting the prestigious gig for the first time.
And she will be in safe hands, having been paired with her "TV husband" and host of the 2021 ceremony, Alan Carr, 48.
The decision to bring the pair in is a careful one by ITV with sources previously telling us how the network wanted to ensure a future with both of them following their success on the BBC with their renovation series, Amanda & Alan's Italian Job.
Amanda and Alan will take on hosting duties at the Royal Albert Hall in London in the presence of King Charles and Camilla.
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Amanda said: “It truly is such an honour to be hosting the Royal Variety Performance this year. I’m still pinching myself!
"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!”
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Alan added: “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."
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The pair will be joined by Elton John who will introduce epic performances from his new musical The Devil Wears Prada, alongside his husband, David Furnish.
BGT winner Sydnie Christmas will also take to the stage having won the ITV talent contest earlier this year.
More music will come courtesy of Brit Award winner James Bay, Eurovision champ Nemo and popstar Sophie Ellis-Bextor who will perform her brand new single as well as classic hit, Murder on the Dancefloor.
Illusion and magic will also be on the bill thanks to a dazzling routines by Las Vegas heavyweights Penn and Teller and Deal or No Deal's Stephen Mulhern.
Ellie Taylor, Matt Forde and Larry Dean will provide the comedy for the evening as well as a very special performance from breakfast TV legend Lorraine Kelly who will appear alongside her Change and Check Choir for a number led by singer Marti Pellow.
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Broadway and West End star, and recent Celebrity Big Brother housemate, Marisha Wallace is also on the bill and has been handed the top honours of belting out the National Anthem.
The Royal Variety Performance will air on ITV1 and ITVX later this year.
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