Irish music sensation Ronan Keating has been confirmed as the host and headline act for BBC One's New Year's Eve celebrations, set to welcome 2026 with a live televised party.
A Night of Music and Celebration
The special programme, titled Ronan Keating And Friends: A New Year’s Eve Party, will see the former Boyzone frontman perform a selection of his most popular songs. He will be joined by his band and a roster of special guests, with the full lineup to be revealed in the coming weeks.
Expressing his excitement, Keating told BBC Radio 2’s Scott Mills Breakfast Show: "When I got the call, I was truly honoured. Honestly, it’s such an honour to be there on the night performing with my friends and with my band, all these songs. It’s going to be very special."
From Boyzone to a Solo Spotlight
The 48-year-old artist first found fame in 1993 as a member of the globally successful boyband Boyzone. He later forged a highly successful solo career, scoring number-one hits with timeless tracks like 'Life Is A Rollercoaster' and 'When You Say Nothing At All', famously featured in the film Notting Hill.
Keating also shared his personal New Year's tradition, which usually involves a quiet evening at home. "It’s always our tradition, we don’t do parties, really. Being at home in the house, counting down, having dinner with the family... I’ll be able to share it with how many millions of people across the UK on New Year’s Eve, I can’t wait," he said.
Continuing a BBC Tradition
BBC executives emphasised the significance of the event. Jonathan Rothery, head of popular music TV at the BBC, stated: "New Year’s Eve on BBC One is one of our biggest music moments of the year. Recently, Sam Ryder, Rick Astley and Sophie Ellis-Bextor have helped bring the party to viewers, and this year BBC Music are very happy to announce that Ronan Keating will take us into 2026 with some much-loved classics."
Alison Howe, executive producer at BBC Studios, praised Keating's suitability for the role: "Ronan’s gorgeous songs, effortless charm and showmanship make him the perfect host for a New Year’s Eve Party filled with hits, friends, emotion and fun – all the right ingredients for the biggest night of the year."
The show follows last year's broadcast, which was hosted by Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Ronan Keating and Friends: A New Year’s Eve Party will be broadcast live on BBC One and will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
