Jack Whitehall on being the Royal Variety Performance’s youngest ever host

IT may have been going since 1912, but the Royal Variety Performance has a youthful look this year.

Guest of honour at the Royal Albert Hall will be his Royal Highness Prince Harry, who wasn’t even born when headline act Elton John first appeared on the bill.

Not only that but it will be presented by comedian Jack Whitehall, at 27 the show’s youngest ever host.

It’s the third time Jack has been granted a royal audience. Prince Charles and Prince William have seen him perform stand-up.

“I’m yet to perform in front of The Queen,” says the London-born comic.Sir Elton John tops the bill for Royal Variety Performance hosted by Jack Whitehall – click here to read more“She must be really desperate not to see my act.

“But it’s a tremendous honour to be hosting the Royal Variety Performance.

“It’s great family entertainment and I remember watching it with my family when I was young.

“As a huge fan of comedy I’ve done loads of research of memorable performances. I love Peter Ustinov’s stint as host quite different in style to me but brilliant.”

Jack’s parents will be proud members of the audience, although they weren’t best pleased when their privately-educated son first told them of his career preference.

“My mum and dad definitely didn’t want me to go into comedy,” smiles the League of Their Own panellist. “I think they were expecting something more from a Marlborough College education.”

The fresh-faced host will be introducing a Royal Variety line-up that, in usual style, has a little something for everyone with performances by boy band sensation One Direction, Kylie Minogue, the cast of Cameron Mackintosh’s multi-award winning musical Mary Poppins, acrobatic act Cirque Du Soleil and Britain’s Got Talent victors, Jules, Matisse and Friends. The Royal Variety Performance, ITV, 7.30pm, Tuesday.