ROYAL VARIETY PERFORMANCE 2020 CONFIRMED WITH JASON MANFORD

Comedian Jason Manford is to host The Royal Variety Performance at the historic Blackpool Opera House. The Prince of Wales will deliver a special message to the charity and the artistes performing in the show, as he looks forward to this evening of entertainment.

Returning to the North after nine years, the show promises to be an 'unforgettable evening of exceptional performers, world class British theatre and superb comedy, plus some exciting surprises'.

2020’s line-up includes Captain Sir Thomas Moore, Michael Ball, Gary Barlow, Sheridan Smith, Celeste and Mel C. Plus, there'll be magic from Stephen Mulhern, comedy from Daliso Chaponda and a performance from BGT winner Jon Courtenay.

Jason Manford said: "After appearing at the Royal Variety Performance three times since 2009, it is an honour and a privilege to be hosting the show this year. It’s been a hugely difficult year for everybody, so I hope that for a couple of hours on a cold Winter’s night in Blackpool, we can take people’s minds off things and do what us Brits do best; have a laugh."

The event will be recorded on Sunday 29th November and will air on ITV in December.