ITV have announced what we can look forward to in this year’s Royal Variety Performance, which is to be hosted by comedian Peter Kay…

The special night – which will be recorded on December 5th – will be hosted at Manchester’s Lowry Theatre, and will be in the presence of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, or Our Annie as she likes me to call her.

Lined up to perform are international superstars Tony Bennett and Barry Manilow, and US X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger, and singer songwriter Cee Lo Green will each perform live.

Also appearing at the gala night are, Pixie Lott, Britain’s Got Talent winner Jai McDowall, illusionist Penn & Teller, operatic singers, IL DIVO, plus Adam Cooper and the cast of Singing In The Rain will offer up an exclusive performance ahead of the show’s opening in the West End next year.

There to tickle the Royal funny bone are comedians Jason Manford, Greg Davies and Tim Minchin.

We’ll get to see the show on TV before Christmas, but no exact air date has yet been announced.

The star studded spectacular will take place on 5 December and be screened on ITV1 later that month. It will be produced by ITV Studios.

Laurie Mansfield, Life President of the Entertainment Artistes’ Benevolent Fund, said of the event, “The greatest artistes in entertainment have always featured on The Royal Variety Performance and this year is no exception as the biggest acts in the world unite for one night only.

“There is something for everyone – a true Royal Variety Performance.”

If you would like tickets for The 2011 Royal Variety Performance, you can call the Entertainment Artistes Benevolent Fund on 0208 898 8164.

Here’s a clip of Chaz and Cam – that’s Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall of to you – enjoying last year’s Royal Variety Performance…