Jason Manford is heading back to one of the biggest stages in showbiz after being confirmed as the host of the Royal Variety Performance, which will air on ITV. 

The comedian, actor, and presenter will front the world’s longest-running entertainment show when it returns to the Royal Albert Hall in London this autumn.

Jason, 44, couldn’t hide his excitement when talking about his upcoming gig, which will be watched by millions at home.

Jason, who has hosted the Royal Variety once before, said: “The last time I did it was in 2020 – which, if you remember, was during the pandemic. I had a virtual audience… was like doing a gig in front of a Curry’s window!

“Nothing says showbiz quite like getting heckled by someone who’s accidentally left their mic on while eating crisps. So I’m very excited to see some actual real-life human faces in the audience this time!”

What is the Royal Variety Performance?

The Royal Variety Performance is a night where creatives showcase the best of British music, comedy, dance, and theatre to raise money for the eponymous charity.

The Royal Variety Charity provides support to entertainment workers in need. They can access financial grants, funded therapy, and care for the elderly at the charity’s care home, Brinsworth House.

The tradition dates back to 1912, when King George V and Queen Mary attended the very first Royal Command Performance at London’s Palace Theatre. The show was originally staged in aid of the Variety Artistes’ Benevolent Fund, which is now known as the Royal Variety Charity.

Since then, it has become an annual staple of British entertainment history. Every reigning monarch has supported the event. The Royal Variety Performance also made broadcasting history in 1960, when BBC One televised it for the first time. The annual extravaganza now has more than 152 million viewers worldwide.

Who is performing at the Royal Variety Performance 2025?

The 2025 line-up has not been confirmed yet, but based on previous shows, it is bound to be another star-studded evening. One act you can always guarantee to see is the current Britain’s Got Talent winner, as a slot at the Royal Variety is part of their prize.

This year, magician Harry Moulding won the ITV series. He wowed viewers over with his incredible tricks, which included a sky-diving stunt and a quick whizz over to Paris. This means all eyes will be on him to see what he pulls out of the bag!

Amanda Holden and Alan Carr hosted last year’s Royal Variety, which King Charles III and Queen Camilla attended.

Highlights included appearances from Elton John, Penn & Teller, and – of course – Britain’s Got Talent 2024 winner Sydnie Christmas. Viewers also got to witness spectacular performances from the London casts of Oliver!, Starlight Express and The Devil Wears Prada.

Previous shows have featured world-class acts, such as Cirque du Soleil, the English National Ballet, Eurovision winners, and stand-up comedians, including Ellie Taylor and Larry Dean.

Royal Variety Performance host: Jason Manford

The star from Salford has done it all, from stand up comedy and panel shows to musical theatre and primetime TV. Jason Manford shot to fame on 8 Out of 10 Cats in 2007, before going on to host shows including Show Me the Funny, Unbeatable and Starstruck.

He has also played parts in Sweeney Todd, Guys and Dolls, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and Curtains. The multi-talented performer was unveiled as Hedgehog in the first series of ITV’s The Masked Singer in 2020. Last year, he starred in Waterloo Road.

Where is the Royal Variety Performance held?

This year’s performance will take place at the London’s Royal Albert Hall. Audience tickets went on sale in February this year and have already sold out. But you can watch it on TV!

When can I watch ITV’s Royal Variety Performance?

ITV’s cameras will be rolling when the Royal Variety Performance takes place on Wednesday November 19, 2025. The televised show will then air soon after.

An exact date for when you can tune in is yet to be confirmed. But it will air on both ITV1 and ITVX. Last year’s Royal Variety Performance took place in London on Friday November, 22. It aired on ITV on Sunday December 15, 2024.

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The Royal Variety Performance 2025 is expected to air on ITV1 and ITVX this December.