Davina McCall to host D-Day 80 at the Royal Albert Hall for ITV

On Thursday 6 June 2024, the Royal Albert Hall will host an anniversary event marking D-Day 80. On Sunday 9 June the show will be broadcast on ITV and ITVX, bringing to a close the national commemorations.

The programme, hosted by Davina McCall, will tell the story of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy through a unique blend of music and archive, with letters and diary entries charting the historic events of the summer of 1944. The programme will feature the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra plus performances from Katherine Jenkins OBE, Emeli Sandé and Lulu. There will also be a TV exclusive of ‘Dear Bill’ from the hit West End show, Operation Mincemeat. Special guests on the night will include some of the last-remaining D-Day and Normandy Veterans. Katie Ashby, founder and lead vocalist of The D-Day Darlings will also perform for the Royal Albert Hall audience.

Host Davina McCall said:“I feel truly honoured to be part of this very special D-Day event, telling the stories of incredible people who sacrificed so much. It’s a subject close to my heart, and I am looking forward to what I know will be a very moving and memorable event.”

Joe Mace, Entertainment Commissioner ITV said:“ITV is proud to broadcast such an important commemorative event in support of our veterans. From the prestigious Royal Albert Hall with Davina at the helm, plus a raft of famous faces in support, it promises to be a spectacular occasion.”

The official broadcast partner for the programme is Ancestry. 

Simon Pearce, Military History Expert at Ancestry said:“Ancestry is honoured to partner with ITV in creating a very special event to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings and the Battle of Normandy. This period of history contains countless stories of bravery and courage, and marks the beginning of the end of the war in Europe. We hope this event helps keep the memory of those who served alive.”