Viewers of the BBC's festive musical extravaganza were left confused on Saturday night, after spotting a tell-tale sign that the show was not the new compilation they were expecting.
Masks Give Away Pandemic-Era Repeat
On Saturday 27 December 2025, BBC One aired what was billed as a Christmas special of The National Lottery's Big Night of Musicals, hosted by comedian Jason Manford. The programme promised a compilation of the year's finest stage musical performances, featuring casts from major productions like Matilda, Mary Poppins, and Wicked, alongside numbers from Back to the Future: The Musical and tributes to icons like Tina Turner.
However, within minutes of the broadcast starting, eagle-eyed fans took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to point out a glaring detail. They noticed that several members of the studio audience were visibly wearing face masks during the performances.
This visual clue led many to conclude that the special was not freshly recorded material, but a repeat of footage filmed during the coronavirus pandemic. One viewer questioned online: "When was the Tina Turner bit filmed if people are in masks?" while another stated bluntly: "YUP... This entire thing was a repeat."
Praise Amidst the Confusion
Despite the realisation that the show was a rerun, the musical spectacle still won over a large number of fans. Many flooded social media with positive comments about the performances.
One viewer wrote: "Loving Big Night of Musicals with @JasonManford, great that the schools and colleges have been shown too." Another added: "Really enjoying watching #BigNightOfMusicals on @BBCOne," demonstrating that the show's entertainment value remained high for many, regardless of its vintage.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Live Extravaganza
The attention now turns to the future of the popular series. The National Lottery's Big Night of Musicals is preparing for its fifth annual event, which promises to be a brand-new, live experience.
The 2026 show will be hosted once again by Jason Manford and is set to take place at the AO Arena in Manchester on 26 January 2026. The line-up will feature show-stopping performances from West End hits including Wicked, Miss Saigon, and Jesus Christ Superstar.
Manford expressed his enthusiasm, saying: "I'm absolutely thrilled to be hosting... for the fifth year running. The 2026 line-up is phenomenal; some of the biggest shows in the world are coming together for one night only." He also highlighted the crucial role of National Lottery players in supporting UK theatre.
For those unable to attend in person, the fifth Big Night of Musicals will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in Spring 2026. The Christmas special that sparked the repeat debate remains available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
