Ronan Keating & Friends: A New Year’s Eve Party is set to ignite the stage and living rooms across the nation on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, offering a joyful, all-star music celebration to welcome 2026. This two-part special, each running 30 minutes, features Irish pop legend Ronan Keating headlining a night packed with his greatest hits, electrifying performances, big surprises, and a lineup of very special musical guests.
The party’s main event leads directly into BBC’s live broadcast of London’s world-famous midnight fireworks before the fun resumes with another half hour of Keating and friends to keep the celebrations going after midnight.
What Makes This Special Unmissable?
A True New Year’s Eve TV Tradition
The BBC One New Year’s Eve concert has fast become one of TV’s biggest annual music moments, delivering blockbuster performances and a communal countdown watched by millions across the UK. Recent years have featured icons like Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Rick Astley, Sam Ryder, and Queen + Adam Lambert.
This year, the BBC has selected Ronan Keating for his 30-year career, back catalogue of chart-topping hits (solo and with Boyzone), massive cross-demographic appeal, and charismatic live showmanship.
What to Expect
- Live performances of Keating’s classic hits: expect crowd-pleasers like “Life Is a Rollercoaster”, “When You Say Nothing at All”, “If Tomorrow Never Comes”, “Lovin’ Each Day”, and more.
- All-star guest artists: The lineup of surprise musical guests is set to be announced shortly, reflecting a tradition that has seen A-listers and recent chart stars join in previous BBC NYE shows.
- A feel-good party vibe: Expect slick band arrangements, spirited duets, production surprises, and the kind of communal singalong energy tailor-made for ringing in the new year at home.
- Official BBC fireworks coverage: The concert is book-ended by BBC’s exclusive live broadcast of London’s iconic midnight fireworks, connecting viewers to the nation’s grandest public celebration.
- Party into 2026: After the fireworks, the concert resumes, so the musical revelry lasts well beyond midnight.
What Has Ronan Keating Said About Hosting?
Keating told BBC Radio 2’s Scott Mills:
“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… To see the New Year in with your loved ones is everything. I’ll be able to share it with millions of people across the UK on New Year’s Eve—can’t wait!”
How Does It Work? (Schedule)
- Part 1: Party kicks off with Keating and guests, counting down to midnight.
- Midnight: Live cut to BBC’s broadcast of London’s official New Year’s fireworks.
- Part 2: After the display, Keating & Friends return to keep the party going into the early hours.
Who’s Behind the Scenes?
The show is a BBC Studios Music Production commissioned by Jonathan Rothery, Head of Popular Music TV at BBC. Alison Howe is Executive Producer; Rachel Davies serves as Commissioning Editor.
Jonathan Rothery:
“New Year’s Eve on BBC One is one of our biggest music moments of the year… BBC Music are very happy to announce that Ronan Keating will take us into 2026 with some much-loved classics, joined by some very special guests.”
Alison Howe:
“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.”
Ronan Keating – A Quick Primer
- Lead singer of Boyzone (since 1993), one of the UK/Ireland’s greatest ever boybands (25 million albums sold)
- Solo career: Over 20 million records sold, nine UK top 10 albums
- Signature songs: “When You Say Nothing at All” (featured in Notting Hill), “Life Is a Rollercoaster”, “Lovin’ Each Day”, “If Tomorrow Never Comes”
- Frequent BBC TV & radio host, and The One Show regular since 2021
BBC New Year’s Eve Concerts: Recent Stars
- 2024: Sophie Ellis-Bextor
- 2023: Rick Astley
- Recent years: Sam Ryder, Queen + Adam Lambert, Bryan Adams, Gary Barlow, Nile Rodgers & Chic
Where and When to Watch
- BBC One and BBC iPlayer
- New Year’s Eve – December 31, 2025 (Times TBC; expect approx 11:30pm–12:30am split format)
- Available to stream/repeat on BBC iPlayer after broadcast
FAQs
Who are the guest performers?
Guest artists are expected to be revealed soon—watch for BBC updates in early December.
What will Ronan perform?
Fan favourites from across his 30-year career, plus duets and surprises.
Will it air live?
It is broadcast on the night as a special event, with the fireworks aired live from London at midnight.
Can I stream it after?
Yes, both sets will be available on BBC iPlayer for replay.
What channel?
BBC One is the primary channel, with simulcast on iPlayer and post-broadcast streaming.
