And Dame Edna makes an appearance

John Bishop is to host this year’s Royal Variety Performance.

Dame Edna Everage, who is just about to embark on a farewell tour of the UK, will also appear on the show.

More acts will be announced nearer the time, but the bull will also feature Olly Murs, Gary Barlow, the cast of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Britain's Got Talent winners Attraction.

Bishop said he hoped his parents would be proud that he’d landed the host’s job, adding: ‘As a child, the Royal Variety Show was like the Grand National and the FA Cup final - it was something our family always watched - the only difference being that we didn't bet on the winner.’

The show takes place at the London Palladium on Monday November 25, and will be screened on ITV in December.

It is a fundraiser for the Entertainment Artistes' Benevolent Fund, whose patron is the Queen.

Last year’s event was hosted by David Walliams, and Peter Kay and Michael McIntrye have also fronted recent performances.

Published: 16 Oct 2013