'Spectacular evening' in store for Queen's birthday show

Updated

Presenters Ant and Dec have promised a spectacular evening of entertainment, ahead of the televised celebration of the Queen's 90th birthday.

The duo will host the ITV show from the grounds of Windsor Castle in the presence of the Queen.

It will feature more than 900 horses and 1500 performers, as well as rare archive footage of the monarch.

Ant and Dec said: "We are honoured to be hosting this special celebration of Her Majesty The Queen's 90th birthday.

"This spectacular evening will bring together some of the best-known names in the entertainment world who will perform with 900 horses and 1500 participants to mark this very special birthday."

Downton Abbey star Jim Carter and his wife Imelda Staunton will celebrate the Queen's childhood years, with Carter narrating and Staunton singing.

He said: "I'm thrilled to be asked to play a part in the Queen's 90th birthday celebrations. I will be narrating a section of the programme that spotlights her childhood - I believe that Shetland ponies are also involved! I can't reveal too much as I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise."

Dame Helen Mirren will take audiences through the Queen's teenage years before Katherine Jenkins performs I Vow To Thee My Country. Alan Titchmarsh will talk the audience through the Queen's estates and her love of family, horses, dogs and the countryside.

Other performers include James Blunt and Dame Shirley Bassey, while Gary Barlow, Andrea Bocelli, Kylie Minogue and Damian Lewis will also take to the stage.

:: The Queen's 90th Birthday Celebration airs on Sunday at 8.35pm on ITV.

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