ITV Royal Variety Performance paused for 'emotional' tribute to stars no longer with us

Liam Payne remembered during tributes at The Royal Variety Performance

ITV viewers were highly emotional on Sunday night as the Royal Variety Performance paid tribute to the celebrities who have died in 2024. During the night, people saw Amanda Holden and Alan Carr host the event in the presence of His Majesty King Charles III.

Sadly, Her Majesty Queen Camilla was unable to attend the annual event due to a chest infection at the time. Nevertheless, the evening was full of spectacular performances in aid of the Royal Variety Charity

However, it was the short clip featuring the likes of Robin Windsor, Jonnie Irwin and Dame Maggie Smith that had viewers in tears as the show took a moment to remember those who are no longer with us.

Introducing 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."

After the presenter had finished speaking, a montage of black and white images appeared on-screen, featuring some of the celebrities who have died over the past year.

The Royal Variety Performance 2024 (Image: ITV)

READ MORE
BBC Strictly's Shirley Ballas issues four-word reply after 'last series' probe [LATEST]
BBC Strictly fans reel 'unfair' choice 'shouldn't be allowed' in final show [LATEST]

Names such as Steve Halliwell, Dave Myers, Georgina Hale and Michael Mosley flashed across the screen while an instrumental of One Direction's song Story of My Life played in the background.

The final face to be shown before the show went to an advert break was Liam Payne, who tragically died in October. It wasn't long before people watching took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the emotional tribute, with many in tears.

One person said: "That's finished me off has that. Still can't believe Steve has gone. I'll miss the big show forever." Another commented: "We've lost so many amazing stars this year. So sad!"

Someone else wrote: "The remembrance sequence always gets to me. I didn't know bob newhart passed away either." Emotional, another tweeted: "Liam Payne appearing at the end of the tribute sent me again cruel world."

ITV viewers were emotional watching the tributes (Image: ITV)

With another adding: "Not the story of my life instrumental & then putting Liam Payne at the end."

During the night, viewers saw the likes of Elton John, James Bay and Sophie Ellis-Bextor take to the stage for the annual event. The night was hosted by Alan Carr and Amanda Holden, who had nothing but excitement ahead of the show.

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.

SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Amanda and Alan hosted The Royal Variety Performance together (Image: ITV)

Adding her excitement, Amanda commented: "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!”

The Royal Variety Performance is available to watch on ITVX.