Royal Variety Performance 2026 Confirms Huge ITV Line-Up

The Royal Variety Performance 2026 has revealed its star-studded line-up, with an exclusive first look at The Greatest Showman musical, a special performance from Wicked star Idina Menzel and appearances from James Blunt and Andrea Bocelli.

Jason Manford will return to host the annual entertainment event for the third time when it takes place at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Friday 20 November 2026, in the presence of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. It will be Camilla’s first attendance at the event as Queen.

The Greatest Showman and Wicked take centre stage

One of the evening’s biggest announcements is a world-exclusive television preview of The Greatest Show, a musical number from the upcoming West End adaptation of The Greatest Showman.

Idina Menzel, who originated the role of Elphaba in Wicked on Broadway, will travel from America to celebrate the musical’s 20th anniversary. She will perform The Wizard and I, accompanied by the show’s composer Stephen Schwartz.

Musical theatre will feature heavily throughout the evening, with the cast of Billy Elliot the Musical performing Electricity ahead of the production’s West End return.

Sam Ryder will also lead a medley from Jesus Christ Superstar, while Avenue Q will bring surprise celebrity appearances in specially rewritten versions of For Now and It Sucks To Be Me.

The award-winning musical Operation Mincemeat will reunite original and current cast members for a performance alongside the Royal Naval Association Choir and musicians from the Royal Marines, Irish Guards and Welsh Guards.

James Blunt, Andrea Bocelli and Vanessa Williams confirmed

James Blunt, who has recently appeared on The Celebrity Traitors, is among the music stars performing at this year’s event.

Vanessa Williams will sing her well-known hit Save the Best for Last, while Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli will make an exclusive appearance celebrating 30 years since his international breakthrough.

Singer-songwriter Jack Savoretti will make his Royal Variety debut, and Britain’s Got Talent winners The Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir will perform after becoming the first choir to win the ITV talent competition.

Jason Manford returns alongside comedy and circus acts

Jason Manford’s return marks his sixth appearance at the Royal Variety Performance, placing him alongside legendary comedians Tommy Cooper and Ken Dodd in the show’s history.

Speaking about hosting for a third time, Jason said:

“What a huge privilege to be asked to host The Royal Variety Performance for a third time. It’s an amazing line up, in aid of a wonderful charity so I can’t wait for everybody to see what surprises we have up our sleeves this year.”

Comedy will also come from Mock the Week star Milton Jones and Phil Wang, while acrobatic duo The Ramadhani Brothers and head balancer Veronika Ivanova from Cirque Alice will make their European debuts.

Alfie Boe will also appear to lead the National Anthem.

The Royal Variety Performance raises funds for the Royal Variety Charity, which supports people who have worked in the entertainment industry through financial assistance, mental health services and residential care at Brinsworth House.

The Royal Variety Performance 2026 takes place on Friday 20 November at the Royal Albert Hall in London. It will be broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX, with the transmission date and time to be announced.