Alan Carr is to host The Royal Variety Performance 2021, with comedians Judi Love, Bill Bailey, Chris McCausland and Josh Widdicombe set to perform as part of the show.

ITV confirms: "Presenter and one of the UK's best loved comics, Alan Carr, is to host The Royal Variety Performance from the magnificent Royal Albert Hall in London, which celebrates its 150th anniversary this very year.

"The world's longest running entertainment show - 2021 marks the 109th event and this year, the Royal Variety Charity is celebrating 100 years of our reigning Monarch being their Patron, commencing with His Majesty King George V in 1921. Once again, the event will be held in the presence of senior members of the Royal Family.

"The evening will be a spectacular show featuring exceptional performers, world class theatre, outstanding singers and top notch British comedy."

Alan Carr says: "It's such an honour to be asked to host this year's Royal Variety Performance, it really is a dream come true. With so many amazing performers it's going to be a night to recollect and if I remember correctly, the last time I appeared I was wearing a skimpy leopard print mini dress so I'm hoping as host this time I'll be wearing something a bit more classy!"

Also featured in the programme are Ed Sheeran, Sir Rod Stewart, the cast of the Royal Shakespeare Company's Matilda The Musical, Anne-Marie, Years and Years, Cirque du Soleil, James Blunt, Moulin Rouge The Musical, German variety stars The Messoudi Brothers, Gregory Porter, Elvis Costello and Keala Settle with the Some Voices choir.

The "star studded spectacular" will be screened on ITV in December.