ITV poach duo from the BBC to host this year’s Royal Variety Performance after 15 million tuned into their DIY show

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, which was watched by 15 million people and has been renewed for a second 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. 

‘It truly is such an honour. I’m still pinching myself. This is a dream job,’ she told The Sun. 

It will be an exciting night for Amanda as her golden buzzer Britain’s Got Talent winner Sydnie Christmas will perform

‘Alan is a true friend and 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.

Alan added it was the ‘icing on the cake’ to present with Amanda. 

He said: ‘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. 

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.

Alan previously presented the show at the Royal Albert Hall  back in 2021 (pictured) 

Amanda, meanwhile, has been a longstanding judge on Britain’s Got Talent, where the winner gets to perform at the show

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.’