Jason Manford returns as the host of the Royal Variety Performance – as previous presenters Amanda Holden and Alan Carr stand down

Jason Manford has been confirmed as the host of the Royal Variety Performance – as Amanda Holden and Alan Carr stand down from the role.

The 44-year-old comedian will return to the famous Royal Albert Hall to present the glittering evening of entertainment, staged in front of members of the Royal Family.

Jason, who last hosted in 2020, admitted he was delighted to be back – this time with a live audience.

He said: ‘The Royal Variety Performance is always such a spectacular night, so I’m genuinely chuffed to be asked back as host.

‘The last time I did it was in 2020 – which, if you remember, was during the pandemic. I had a virtual audience. It was like doing a gig in front of a Curry’s window!’

He continued: ‘Nothing says showbiz quite like getting heckled by someone who’s accidentally left their mic on while eating crisps.

Amanda and Alan (pictured) took over presenting duties in 2024, stepping in after Bradley Walsh

‘So, I’m very excited to see some actual real-life human faces in the audience this time!’

Amanda and Alan took over presenting duties in 2024, stepping in after Bradley Walsh.

Their pairing marked a first for the long-running variety show, though their stint was short-lived.

During last year’s ceremony, attended by King Charles though Queen Camilla was absent due to illness, the duo entertained the audience with their quick wit.

Alan opened the evening by poking fun at Amanda’s famously daring fashion choices and her brushes with Ofcom complaints.

‘You look fabulous, just on the right side of an Ofcom complaint,’ he quipped, before joking: ‘I feel a great sense of comfort and security sharing a stage with you.

‘Well, it’s a high-profile event and if Just Stop Oil come at the stage, I can use you as my human shield.’

The Royal Variety Performance will once again showcase world-class music, comedy, dance and speciality acts when it returns later this year.

Jason, 44, who last hosted in 2020, admitted he was delighted to be back – this time with a live audience

Last year, Alan opened the evening by poking fun at Amanda’s famously daring fashion choices and her brushes with Ofcom complaints

The Daily Mail has contacted Amanda Holden and Alan Carr’s representatives for comment.

Last year, King Charles was seen bursting into laughter at the Royal Variety Show after a comedian made a joke about camping.

It was Scott Bennett, a stand-up comedian from Yorkshire, who grabbed His Majesty’s attention.

Ranting about a recent camping holiday he had been on, Scott spoke of how loud the zips on tents are.

‘It’s three in the morning, it’s pitch black, you’re desperate for the toilet and you’re doing that,’ Scott said while pretending to open a tent and making a rather convincing unzipping noise. ‘And that’s zip number one,’ he quipped.

The cameras then cut to the King, 76, who chortled to himself in the royal box at the Royal Albert Hall.

Scott continued: ‘And don’t get me started on the people who do it slowly. Have you heard these people? They were next to us. Took six hours to leave the tent.’