Royal Variety Performance viewers in tears as show pays tribute to late stars

Royal Variety remember celebrities that have passed in 2023

Royal Variety Show viewers were moved to tears as the show paid tribute to well-known faces who died in 2023. The three-minute and 15-second clip featured tributes to stars such as TV presenter Paul O’Grady, singer Tina Turner, actress Raquel Welch, Shaft legend Richard Roundtree, The Script’s Mark Sheehan and The Pogues singer Shane MacGowan.

To the strains of Beth Nielsen Chapman’s 2012 song I Find Your Love, black and white images of the stars appeared on screen. Those watching the show were overcome by the reminder of how much talent was lost this year and took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their feelings.

A user with the handle @Tommo1965 observed: “We’ve lost some talented people this year #RoyalVarietyPerformance.” @MaisyMooCow said: “Oh my goodness, this always brings a tear to my eye. Sleep tight.” @Carolanne17_ wrote: “I can’t believe we’ve lost all these people, just this year.”

@WendySm16506738 admitted that she hadn’t even realised that some of the featured stars had died commenting: “#RoyalVarietyPerformance It always amazes me when they do these montages, that some people have passed on and I didn’t hear about it. So much news, 24 hours a day, sometimes the stuff we’d actually want to know about gets drowned out. RIP, such a loss of talent x.”

@RandomPunter24 chimed in: “Seeing all those names makes you realise how much talent has been lost this year. #RoyalVarietyPerformance.!” @Neils94592121 concurred saying: “We’ve lost a few legends this year.”

READ MORE: Slade’s Noddy Holder shuts down Freddie Mercury rumour

@Thomasoxley unconvincingly stated: “Well that didn’t make me cry at all…honest! #royalvarietyperformance.”

Meanwhile, @kaz_evs wanted to know what song they had played over the tribute writing: “Can anyone please tell me the name of the song they just played over the memorials? Reduced me to tears #RoyalVarietyPerformance.”

While the memorial segment may have moved viewers, they weren’t enamoured with host Bradley Walsh.

The Chase presenter replaced comedian Lee Mack who fronted the programme last year.

However, just minutes into the show, fans took to social media to share their thoughts about Bradley taking over as the host and while some loved his stand-up routine, others branded it “cringe-worthy”.

The Royal Variety Performance can be watched on ITVX.

Don’t miss…
Stacey Solomon urges ‘don’t judge’ as she returns to singing 14 years later[WATCH]
Strictly runner-up Susanna Reid’s warning to this year’s stars[INSIGHT]
BBC viewers slam Michelle Mone’s ‘car crash’ interview with Laura Kuenssberg[OPINION]

  • Support fearless journalism
  • Read The Daily Express online, advert free
  • Get super-fast page loading

During Bradley’s opening monologue, he poked fun at the fact he didn’t have an OBE which he directed at Prince William and Kate Middleton, who were sat in the Royal box.

“Well it is downhill from there,” he began before adding: “Your Royal Highnesses, welcome to The Royal Variety Performance 2023.

“Now, to be honest, these can be a stuffy affair, but not tonight because they have put me in charge.”

The annual pre-recorded event was held in the presence of The Prince and Princess of Wales, along with The Crown Princess and Prince Daniel of Sweden. It featured performances from Cher, Paloma Faith, and Hannah Waddington amongst others.

Source: Read Full Article