Manford and McGuinness also on bill

Peter Kay is to host this year's Royal Variety Performance, it has been announced today.

He will be joined by fellow North West comedians Paddy McGuinness and Jason Manford.

The show takes places at the Blackpool Winter Gardens on December 7 – the first time it has been staged at the Lancashire resort since 1955.

Also taking part are Bette Midler, Whoopi Goldberg, Diversity, Alexandra Burke, Michael Buble, Miley Cyrus and Katherine Jenkins.

Kay, who appeared at last year's show in the guis of his spoof talent show winner Geraldine McQueen, said: 'It's an honour and a privilege to be asked to host the Royal Variety, but even more of delight to host it in Blackpool.'

The Queen will attend the performance, which will air on ITV1 later in December.

Published: 22 Oct 2009