Amanda Holden and Vanessa Williams lead Royal Variety red carpet as Queen Camilla pulls out

A host of celebrities walked the red carpet at the Royal Albert Hall ahead of the arrival of King Charles III as the 2024 Royal Variety Performance prepared to begin

A string of celebrities turned out to attend the Royal Variety Performance in London on Friday night.

The 2024 performance marks the 96th version of the long-running celebration of entertainment and took place at the Royal Albert Hall. Singer and actress Sydnie Christmas was among the first to arrive - having bagged herself a performance slot as part of the evening of entertainment after winning Britain’s Got Talent earlier this year.

The 29-year-old reality star sparkled in a shimmering silver sequin shoulder less and strapless dress. Taking to the red carpet, the star shone a winning smile as she sashayed along with her dark hair swept to one side. She arrived ahead of King Charles III - who made his entrance without Queen Camilla, who has been fighting an infection.

Sydnie was stunned to win ITV’s long-running talent show in June - beating fellow finalists magician Jack Rhodes finishing and dance duo Abigail & Afronitaaa and securing herself a chance to perform in front of King Charles tonight. She won the show by singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz. After being told she had won, she emotionally told viewers: “I cannot believe the amount of love that I’ve felt… I am overwhelmed with love and it is the most amazing thing. I wish for one day that every single person in this room feels the way that I do one day with this love. It’s amazing. Thank you so much.”

However, when ITV fans learned she had already enjoyed a music career to a certain degree, she faced vicious accusations that her win had been a fix. But Sydnie did not take the criticism laying down - and took to social media to furiously hit back at her detractors.

She wrote at the time: “Righty then...For the trolls. It's heart breaking to see. But listen up. You don't know me or the fierce back bone I have, I owe that to my supportive family and friends. I've been dealing with judgement in this industry all my life. So listen up. YOU CANNOT TOUCH US.

"Because of MY AMAZING FRIENDS, FAMILY AND EVERY SUPPORTER OF MINE. you simply cannot touch us. Just love here, always has been. I hand on heart wish you keyboard warriors happiness. Its hard seeing people so angry. LOVE over powers all."

Judge Amanda Holden threw her support behind the budding star, telling MailOnline at the time of the backlash: "Sydnie is undoubtedly a star. I've been doing this show for 17 years now, and I've been stopped by more BGT fans this series than ever before about our Sydnie Christmas. I know she's destined for big things. She's my golden girl and I can't wait to have front row seats to whatever is next for her. And as our girl would say… Let's have it! Come on!"

Ahead of the show beginning, a sea of celebrities walked the red carpet alongside Sydnie. Chuckle Brothers legend Paul Chuckle flashed a cheeky smile as he took to the venue in dashing evening attire - complete with a long overcoat.

Comedian Alan Carr flashed a toothy grin of his own as he arrived in a smart tuxedo. He was joined by BGT judge Amanda who looked striking in a mint-coloured skirt and greet top.

Music legend Vanessa Williams looked electric in an off the shoulder blue dress. The former Desperate Housewives and Ugly Betty star can currently be seen in the West End of London in a lead role in the Devil Wears Prada musical.

Allo Allo star Vicki Michelle arrived in a black lace outfit and added a chic white jacket as she prepared to enjoy a night of entertainment. Lorraine Kelly arrived flanked by Nikki Wheatley, Marti Pellow and Helen Addis. The ladies wore matching slogan t-shirts and shimmering pink jackets - while the Wet Wet Wet singer looked smart in a blue suit.

Singer James Bay also arrived at the event - wearing a dark silk top and fitted black trousers. The long-haired star added a trademark hat and looked serious on the red carpet ahead of the festivities beginning.

His Royal Highness, King Charles III, was last to arrive - looking effortlessly stylish in a long evening coat and bow tie. The monarch looked in good spirits as he arrived for an evening of entertainment - 11 months after it was revealed he was battling cancer.

His Majesty arrived without Queen Camilla who has missed a number of engagements in recent weeks due to ill health. The Queen has been battling a chest infection and was forced to miss out on the celebrations on Friday night following "lingering post-viral" symptoms.

Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads.