Royal Variety Performance 2025: Full Line-up, Highlights & TV Broadcast Date
The red carpet at the Royal Albert Hall was rolled out yesterday, marking one of the most anticipated nights in the British entertainment calendar. On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, the Royal Variety Performance 2025 brought together West End giants, chart-topping musicians, and comedy legends for a night that felt more emotional than usual.
For many, the highlight wasn’t just on stage. It was the return of the Princess of Wales to the Royal Box, marking her first joint red carpet appearance with Prince William in two years.
If you missed the live updates or are avoiding spoilers until the TV broadcast, you are in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know, from the confirmed line-up and the Les Misérables 40th Anniversary spectacular to the “best dressed” moments and, most importantly, when you can watch it all unfold on ITV.
When is the Royal Variety Performance 2025 on TV?
This is the question everyone is asking right now. While the show was filmed live on November 19, it is never broadcast live.
Confirmed Status: ITV has confirmed the show will air in December 2025, but they have not yet released the specific time slot.
Our Prediction: Based on the broadcast patterns of the last five years, the show almost always airs on the second or third Sunday of December.
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Most Likely Date: Sunday, December 7th, or Sunday, December 14th.
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Likely Time: 19:00 or 20:00 GMT on ITV1.
Pro-Tip: Keep an eye on ITVX. In previous years, ITV has occasionally made the show available for streaming on ITVX shortly after the terrestrial broadcast finishes. We recommend bookmarking the [ITV TV Guide] to catch the official announcement.
The Royal Guests: William & Kate’s Emotional Return
The atmosphere at the Royal Albert Hall shifted the moment the Prince and Princess of Wales arrived. This year’s attendance was significant. It signaled a return to normalcy for the Princess following her health challenges earlier in the year.
Kate’s “Deep Green” Velvet Look
Fashion enthusiasts are already dissecting the Princess’s look. Kate stunned in a floor-length deep green velvet gown, a choice that many stylists are calling “festive elegance.” The look was paired with her signature blowout and minimal jewelry, letting the rich fabric speak for itself.
The Paddington Bear Moment
One of the sweetest off-stage moments happened during the meet-and-greet. When meeting the cast of Paddington: The Musical (specifically the twins playing the Brown children), Kate reportedly joked:
“My kiddies will be very sad [to miss this]. They love Paddington.”
This interaction is sure to be a highlight when the backstage footage airs.
Who Performed? The Complete 2025 Line-up
The Royal Variety Performance 2025 line-up was a carefully curated mix of nostalgia and modern talent. Hosted by comedian Jason Manford, who previously hosted in 2020, the night moved seamlessly between stand-up, pop, and theatre.
Musical Headliners
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Madness: Incredibly, this was the Ska legends’ debut performance at the Royal Variety. They brought the house down with a high-energy set.
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Jessie J: The powerhouse vocalist delivered a poignant performance of “I’ll Never Know Why,” a moment that reportedly moved many in the audience to tears.
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Laufey: The Grammy-winning jazz artist brought a calmer, sophisticated vibe to the proceedings, showcasing why she is currently one of the biggest names in modern jazz.
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Sir Bob Geldof: A surprise inclusion that added a touch of rock royalty to the evening.
Variety & Comedy Acts
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Adrian Stoica & Hurricane: The America’s Got Talent winning dog act was a massive crowd-pleaser. Hurricane (the Border Collie) reportedly received one of the loudest cheers of the night.
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Harry Moulding: The Britain’s Got Talent magician brought a modern twist to close-up magic.
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Matt Forde: Providing political satire that kept the Royal Box chuckling.
The Night’s Showstoppers: Les Mis & Paddington
If you are a theatre fan, this year’s show is unmissable. The producers leaned heavily into West End spectaculars.
Les Misérables 40th Anniversary Finale
This was the centerpiece of the evening. To celebrate 40 years of the world’s longest-running musical, the stage was filled with a “supergroup” cast.
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The Scale: According to reports from [WestEndTheatre.com], over 400 performers took part in this segment.
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The Stars: Michael Ball and Matt Lucas led the ensemble, reuniting to celebrate the show that defined their careers. The rendition of “One Day More” was described by critics as “earth-shattering.”
Paddington The Musical
Ahead of its 2025 West End premiere, viewers got an exclusive sneak peek. Tom Fletcher (from McFly), who wrote the music, introduced the segment. Seeing the Paddington puppet interact live on stage is a technical marvel you have to see to believe.
5 “Must-See” Moments (Spoiler Alert)
When you sit down to watch the ITV broadcast, keep your eyes peeled for these five specific moments. They defined the night.
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The Survivor’s Hug: Backstage cameras caught a genuinely warm embrace between Jessie J and the Princess of Wales. Both women have spoken publicly about health battles recently, and the moment felt shared and personal.
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Stephen Fry as Lady Bracknell: In a surprise sketch, national treasure Stephen Fry appeared in full drag as Lady Bracknell from The Importance of Being Earnest. It was a masterclass in comedy timing.
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Hurricane the Dog: Look for the moment the dog “steals” Jason Manford’s microphone. It was a scripted bit that went perfectly wrong in the best way.
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The Finale Medley: The sheer wall of sound created by the Les Misérables cast. It is rare to see that many vocalists on the Royal Albert Hall stage at once.
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The National Anthem: Led by Katherine Jenkins, this year’s “God Save The King” felt particularly rousing given the family’s presence.
How to Watch & Stream Online
The Royal Variety Performance 2025 helps raise money for the Royal Variety Charity, specifically supporting Brinsworth House (the home for retired entertainers).
To watch the show:
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TV: Tune into ITV1 (Date TBC, likely early December).
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Online: You can stream it live or watch on catch-up via ITVX.
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International Viewers: If you are outside the UK, you may need to wait for international syndication or use a service that accesses UK public broadcasts.
Summary: A Night of Resilience and Celebration
The Royal Variety Performance 2025 will likely be remembered less for the specific gags and more for the atmosphere of return. With the 40th Anniversary of Les Misérables anchoring the show and the Prince and Princess of Wales back in the Royal Box, it was a night that celebrated resilience—both in the theatre industry and the Royal Family itself.
Make sure to check your local TV listings for the first two Sundays in December. This is one broadcast you won’t want to miss.
FAQs
When is the Royal Variety Performance 2025 on TV?
ITV has not confirmed the exact date, but it is scheduled for December 2025. Based on history, it will likely air on Sunday, December 7th, or December 14th.
Who hosted the Royal Variety Performance 2025?
The show was hosted by comedian and presenter Jason Manford. This was his second time hosting the event.
Did Kate Middleton attend the 2025 Royal Variety Performance?
Yes. The Princess of Wales attended alongside Prince William. She wore a striking deep green velvet gown.
Who performed in the Les Misérables 40th Anniversary tribute?
The tribute featured Michael Ball, Matt Lucas, and a massive ensemble cast of over 400 performers celebrating the musical’s history.
Is Paddington The Musical in the Royal Variety Performance?
Yes. The cast performed an exclusive preview of the upcoming musical, introduced by McFly’s Tom Fletcher.
Where was the Royal Variety Performance 2025 held?
The event took place at the iconic Royal Albert Hall in London.
How can I watch the Royal Variety Performance on catch-up?
After the main broadcast on ITV1, the full show will be available to stream for free on the ITVX app and website.
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