Telly Today: From Jools Holland to Rick Astley

TV Highlights for New Years’ Eve 2023

Jools Annual Hootenanny

As has become time-honoured tradition in the UK’s televised celebration of the New Year, Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra take centre stage once again for Jools’ Annual Hootenanny.

Jools will be ringing in 2024 in fine style. He’ll be bringing viewers the very best music from a fabulous mix of the biggest stars, as well as the brightest new talent and will be joined by special guests. Making his Hootenanny debut this year is British rock and pop legend, Rod Stewart, who performs alongside Joss Stone, Olivia Dean, Paul Jones, PP Arnold, Raye, Sugababes and The Mary Wallopers.

There’ll also be music from Boogie Woogie Queen and powerhouse vocalist Ruby Turner and as always, the Pipes & Drums of the 1st Battalion Scot Guards will feature, as the hour strikes midnight. Plus, Jools will hear from comedians, actors and more stars of 2023 from amongst the audience about their predictions and resolutions for the New Year.

BBC Two, 11.30 pm

Edith Bowman: Hogmanay 2023

Join Edith Bowman in the countdown to midnight with music from Fife’s own singer-songwriter KT Tunstall, award-winning Celtic rock band from Tiree, Skerryvore, and Glasgow-based all-female traditional folk group, Kinnaris Quintet. Plus some of Scotland’s biggest stars of film and TV join Edith on the sofa to look back at their highs of 2023.

We welcome in 2024 live with the traditional lone piper high on the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle with the midnight gun marking the start of the New Year, along with the traditional spectacular fireworks display from Edinburgh Castle soundtracked by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.

BBC One Scotland, 11.30 pm

Rick Astley Rocks New Year’s Eve

Celebrated pop legend and star of 2023 Rick Astley is joined by some very special guests for a spectacular show at the iconic Camden Roundhouse.

Singing and playing his global hits and some surprise numbers, Rick brings down the house and rings in the brand new year. He’s joined on stage by Sharleen Spiteri, Rylan and The House Gospel Choir to bring in 2024 at BBC One’s New Year’s Eve Rocks.

Made by BBC Studios Entertainment, this end of year celebration will be the perfect grand finale to 2023. Rick is best known and loved for his 1980s chart-topper Never Gonna Give You Up and following his triumphant set on the mighty Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury, where he covered Harry Styles’ hit As It Was, and AC/DC’s Highway To Hell, he went onto wow the crowds at Radio 2 In The Park in Leicester.

BBC One England, CI, Wales and Northern Ireland, 11.30 pm