The Royal Variety Performance took place on Sunday night as His Majesty King Charles III was in the audience, but the show also paid tribute to the stars who have died this year.
ITV viewers were visibly moved to tears on Sunday night as the Royal Variety Performance honoured the memories of celebrities who have died in 2024. During the evening, Amanda Holden and Alan Carr hosted the event, which was attended by His Majesty King Charles III.
Regrettably, Her Majesty Queen Camilla was unable to attend due to a chest infection. Despite this, the evening featured an array of outstanding performances in support of the Royal Variety Charity.
However, it was a poignant tribute featuring the late Robin Windsor, Jonnie Irwin and Dame Maggie Smith that left viewers overcome with emotion as the show paused to remember those who have left us.
Presenting the tribute, host Alan Carr said: “Let’s now take a moment to remember the entertainers and broadcasters from the worlds of film, television, music and theatre that we have lost this year.”
Following his words, a moving montage of black and white images appeared on-screen, paying tribute to some of the celebrities who have passed away over the past year, reports the Express.
Royal Variety Performance halted as ITV show pays ’emotional’ tribute to late stars
The tribute included names such as Steve Halliwell, Dave Myers, Georgina Hale, and Michael Mosley, accompanied by an instrumental rendition of One Direction’s song Story of My Life.
The final face to appear before the show went to a commercial break was that of Liam Payne, who tragically died in October. Shortly after, viewers took to Twitter to express their feelings about the heartfelt tribute, with many admitting to being tearful.
One viewer commented: “That’s finished me off has that. Still can’t believe Steve has gone. I’ll miss the big show forever.” Another fan said: “We’ve lost so many amazing stars this year. So sad!”
A different viewer posted: “The remembrance sequence always gets to me. I didn’t know bob newhart passed away either.”
ITV viewers were moved to tears during the tribute (
Image:
(Image: ITV))
Another emotional fan tweeted: “Liam Payne appearing at the end of the tribute sent me again cruel world.” Someone else added: “Not the story of my life instrumental and then putting Liam Payne at the end.”
The event featured performances by famous artists like Elton John, James Bay and Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Alan Carr and Amanda Holden hosted the evening, expressing their excitement beforehand.
Alan said: “I am completely thrilled to be asked back to host the Royal Variety Performance so soon, what a compliment and an honour!
“To be able to host this magical evening with my best friend and tv wife Amanda Holden is the icing on the cake for me. If we have half as much fun as we did three years ago, well we are all in for a real treat.”
Amanda Holden and Alan Carr hosted the show together on Sunday night (
Image:
(Image: ITV))
Amanda added: “It truly is such an honour to be hosting the Royal Variety Performance this year. I’m still pinching myself! This is a dream job and Alan is a true friend, we are already bursting with ideas and excitement, it’s going to be such a fun night!
“I’ve worked on Britain’s Got Talent for 18 years and have been so proud watching all our winners perform for the Royal Family. This year will be no different, so in the words of Sydnie Christmas, let’s av it!”
