'All Star Musicals at Christmas': celebs, host, musicals, and everything we know

A festive edition of 'All Star Musicals' is coming to ITV. (Image credit: ITV)

All Star Musicals at Christmas will see celebrities “embark on the ultimate musical theatre masterclass” for a night of festive entertainment, as they hope to steal the show and dazzle the judges with help from some of the biggest names in the West End. If they succeed, they will be voted All Star Musicals Champion.

The celebrities will be putting on a spectacular performance in a Christmas TV highlight. And taking the stage are TV presenter Fern Britton, actor Ben Miller, broadcaster Gyles Brandreth, TV presenter Anita Rani, Coronation Street actress Catherine Tyldesley, and sports presenter Radzi Chinyanganya.

Ex Death in Paradise star Ben Miller said of the show: “I have a new respect for musicals! After weeks of training, I am nowhere near ready. In fact, I don’t know what I was thinking.”

Here’s everything we know about All Star Musicals at Christmas so far...

'All Star Musicals at Christmas' air date

All Star Musicals at Christmas airs on Boxing Day at 8pm on ITV and from 7am on ITV Hub.

What will happen in 'All Star Musicals at Christmas'?

The celebrities taking part will receive world-class mentoring from the returning panel, legendary musical theatre geniuses, Elaine Paige OBE, Samantha Barks (Frozen, Les Miserables) and Trevor Dion Nicholas (Hamilton, Aladdin).

Talking of the show, Elaine Paige explained, "The wonderful thing about All Star Musicals is every single one of these celebrities love musical theatre – it’s not about whether they can sing or dance, it’s the journey they take to the performance on the night. And as with the cast of a West End show it’s the camaraderie amongst them all - they are there supporting each other."

As well as their superb tutoring, the stars will also be supported by a full West End ensemble, a live orchestra, and have training from admired and highly regarded West End choreographers and vocal coaches.

Highly popular and iconic musical numbers will be performed, including Cats, Moana and The Rocky Horror Show.

All Star Musicals panel — Musical legends Elaine Paige, Samantha Barks and Trevor Dion Nicholas are mentoring the celebrities. (Image credit: ITV)

Trevor Dion Nicholas commented: "This time around between these two episodes we have got everything from Rap to Tap so we are going from the full contemporary aspects where Musical Theatre is today and we are also pulling from the roots of where everything began and that massive over the top glitz and glamour and big showy numbers, those things that we associate with the shine of Musical Theatre.

"So, we are genuinely encompassing everything, I think we have something this time more than any other time before where each special has a little bit of something for everyone in the family."

We’re in for more musical magic as the show will also feature an exceptional performance from one of the West End’s biggest shows. The West End’s very own Elsa, Samantha Barks, will be putting on an exclusive performance Into The Unknown from Frozen 2.

Samantha Barks was ecstatic to be returning to the show, revealing that: "I was so excited when they asked me because I loved filming the first one. I just think it’s really cool that there are all these different people, from different walks of life. Some of them have never ever performed in any way before, so to see them giving it a go- they worked so hard. I just think it’s a brilliant thing to watch.

"People trying something new, going for it and I think it’s quite inspiring for a lot of people. People are always nervous and think I’m not going to be any good at it so I won’t give it a go but it’s always good to try something new and push yourself because you might surprise yourself which a lot of the celebrities do."

All Star Musicals - John Barrowman — John Barrowman will be opening the show with a 'Greatest Showman' medley. (Image credit: ITV)

Returning as host is John Barrowman, who will also be joining Elaine, Samantha and Trevor in opening the show with a phenomenal Greatest Showman medley.

John Barrowman said of the show: "This is something we need at the moment! People have been looking to be entertained, they love feel-good shows. We’re so happy to be back – myself, Trevor, Samantha and Elaine. I just think it’s something that’s needed on television at the moment and I’m so glad to be part of the ITV family to be doing it!"

Anita Rani said of her excitement about the show: “What better time to come together to perform some show-stopping musical hits on stage. It’s a festive treat that’s guaranteed to bring some sparkle to everyone’s living rooms this Christmas.”

Is there a trailer?

There’s no trailer out yet, but we’ll update this guide as soon as one has been released!

Grace is a digital writer with WhatToWatch.com, where she writes series guides, recaps and features for must-watch shows and delivers all the latest soap news and reactions. She graduated from Anglia Ruskin University in 2020 with a degree in Writing and Film Studies, which only made her love for creative writing, film and TV grow stronger.

You'll usually find her watching the drama unfold in the latest reality series or much-loved UK soaps (usually with chocolate by her side!). She's an expert in EastEnders, Emmerdale, Coronation Street and everything reality-related from Selling Sunset and Married At First Sight UK to 90 Day Fiancé UK. Plus Netflix megahit Virgin River!

Grace also likes to explore new places with her friends and family and, of course, watch and read about the latest films and TV series.