And trio of comics on the bill

Jack Whitehall is to host this year’s Royal Variety Performance, becoming the youngest ever person to take on the task.

Also appearing will be comics Romesh Ranganathan, Chris Ramsey and Matt Forde – all of whom will be making their debut on the annual extravaganza.

The televised show, which airs in ITV in December, can prove a huge fillip to a comedian’s profile since it attracts a large audience of mainstream viewers. A total of 7.64million tuned in to last year’s broadcast.

Whitehall will host the show at London’s Royal Albert Hall in front of Prince Harry on November 13. It will be the 27-year-old’s third appearance on the annual showcase, following his 2010 debut and a set last year.

He said: ’It’s a tremendous honour to be hosting the Royal Variety Performance.

‘Having been lucky enough to perform for Prince Charles and Prince William in previous years I look forward to the opportunity of sailing a little too close to the wind in the presence of Prince Harry this time round.

He added: ‘It’s my third time on the show, and I still am yet to perform in front of The Queen, she must be really desperate not to see my act.’

The show will be headlined by Sir Elton John and One Direction, and feature Kylie Minogue, Ricky Martin, The Corrs, Josh Groban and more.

The cast of The Play That Goes Wrong will also be performing an extract from their Olivier Award-winning comedy play.

Last year’s show was hosted by Michael McIntyre, and previous hosts have included Peter Kay, Ben Elton, Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe, Bruce Forsyth, Sir John Gielgud, and – unfortunately – Rolf Harris.

Published: 23 Oct 2015