The Opera House is the largest theatre outside London

Comedian Peter Kay has been lined up to host this year's Royal Variety Performance, which will also feature Bette Midler and Whoopi Goldberg.

The event will take place in Blackpool for the first time since 1955.

X Factor winner Alexandra Burke, Britain's Got Talent champs Diversity, pop star and Miley Cyrus are all scheduled to participate.

Fellow comic Paddy McGuinness will join Kay at the gig on 7 December at The Opera House.

The show is being staged in aid of the Entertainment Artistes' Benevolent Fund, whose patron is the Queen.

Laurie Mansfield, life president of the Entertainment Artistes' Benevolent Fund, said: "Blackpool was the location of the first Royal Variety Performance outside London in 1955 and we are delighted to be returning there, the home of British variety.

"The Opera House is the largest theatre in the country outside London and is a fitting setting for 2009's stellar production."

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