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Musical guests announced for Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s New Year’s Eve concert on BBC

The British singer will perform her hits, as well as a few surprise numbers, to welcome in the New Year.

By contributor By Hannah Roberts, PA Entertainment Reporter
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Sophie Ellis-Bextor arrives for the Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall 2024
Sophie Ellis-Bextor arrives for the Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall 2024 (Ian West/PA)

Jessie Ware is among a number of musical guests who have been announced for the BBC’s New Year’s Eve concert, hosted by Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

Singer Ellis-Bextor will also be joined by Scissor Sisters frontman Jake Shears, The Last Dinner Party guitarist Emily Roberts and gospel choir the MDL Singers.

The Groovejet singer, 45, will perform her hits as well as a few surprise numbers for the show titled Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s NYE Disco.

She said: “I always love a party and I immediately think of sparkles, singing and dancing for a New Year’s Eve celebration, and that’s what I’ll be bringing with me for my BBC One performance this New Year!

Jessie Ware performing at Glastonbury Festival 2024
Jessie Ware will perform at the event (Ben Birchall/PA)

“The band and I can’t wait, and we have some special surprises planned. I’m so honoured to have been asked to bid a fond farewell to 2024 with you all, and to welcome in an exciting 2025 together. Get your disco shoes ready! I’ll be wearing mine…”

Last year, Rick Astley brought in 2024 with Sharleen Spiteri, Rylan and The House Gospel Choir.

Previous New Year’s Eve acts include Eurovision singer Sam Ryder, band Years And Years, US music star Alicia Keys and R&B singer Craig David.

In October, Ellis-Bextor announced her biggest UK headline tour to date.

At the end of 2023 one of her most well-known songs, Murder On The Dancefloor, experienced a revival after it featured in Emerald Fennell’s film Saltburn.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, she found a new audience with her lockdown kitchen disco performances where she encouraged people to sing and dance in their own kitchens as she livestreamed from home with her own family.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s New Year’s Eve Disco will start at 11.30pm on December 31 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

The festivities will continue after BBC One goes live to London for the fireworks display.

The singer will kick off her celebrations earlier in the day with Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s NYE Kitchen Disco on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds from 12-2pm.

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