ITV have poached BBC TV duo Amanda Holden and Alan Carr to host this year’s Royal Variety Performance.
The double act became an instant hit with viewers on their DIY Italian show on the channel.
It was watched by 15 million people and are just completing their third series
Amanda, 53, already has an association with the Royal Variety Performance thanks to her role as Britain’s Got Talent judge, and now she will play host alongside her pal Alan on Friday November 22.
Comedian Alan previously presented the show three years ago and said he is thrilled to be back once again at the Royal Albert Hall.
Amanda told the Mail: ‘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.
‘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!”
Alan added it was the ‘icing on the cake’ to present with Amanda.
He told The Sun: ‘I am completely thrilled to be asked back to host the Royal Variety Performance so soon — what a compliment. It was an honour three years ago and it’s an honour now.’
The TV duo found huge success with the BBC show Amanda and Alan’s Italian Job.
The programme saw the presenters buy two Sicilian flats for a euro each and spend three months transforming them into one stunning holiday home.
Series one was watched by over 15 million people across the flagship TV channel and BBC iPlayer and was renewed for a second series with the duo now renovating their third.
It will be an exciting night for Amanda as her golden buzzer Britain’s Got Talent winner Sydnie Christmas will perform.
Sydnie, who impressed Britain’s Got Talent boss Simon Cowell with her show-stopping vocals, admits winning the series was a ‘miracle.’
As well as having her artistry finally recognised following years of doubt, Sydnie banked the £250,000 prize, but says a month after being crowned champion, she hasn’t spent a penny.
The singer, whose long-term boyfriend Max is a fellow performer, is looking towards her future and hopes to settle down, using the money as a solid foundation.
She told MailOnline this week: ‘I’m going to be really disappointing, but I haven’t touched a penny yet.
‘I am the queen of saving being in the industry, you save some money, then you’re out of work and not earning the same money… I’m used to saving. But also, in a couple of years’ time, I would like my own place and to have some children, I want to set up a life and be stable.’
Alan revealed last year he confronted Simon Cowell after he was snubbed as the new Britain’s Got Talent judge when David Walliams stepped down.
The comedian, who was approached for the role before it was given to Bruno Tonioli – without him being told – bumped into Simon at Amanda Holden’s house just a week later.
Funnyman Alan told the Mail: ‘Amanda Holden, the next week, said, ”Alan, I’m having a party,” I went, “great. Love it.”
‘I go through the door and oh great, Simon’s in there. Oh s***. So, as I always do, with my best humour I went over there and said, “My wrist has been hurting all weekend practicing that bloody buzzer and you went for Bruno”.’
The former Chatty Man host then mimicked: ‘Alan, that’s showbusiness.’
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Source: USA Today
