Singer-songwriter Freya Ridings forced to pull out of Coronation Concert

The musician was one of the first acts announced for the music extravaganza, along with the likes of Katy Perry and Lionel Richie.

It has now been confirmed by the broadcaster that British singer-songwriter Zak Abel will instead step in for Freya.

Airing live on BBC this weekend, several big names have been confirmed as performers for the historic bash, including Paloma Faith, Steve Winwood, pianist Lang Lang, plus Nicole Scherzinger.

The line-up will also include Olly Murs, Pete Tong Ibiza Classics, featuring Vula and JERUB, and winner of The Piano, Lucy.

And as if that wasn’t enough, Tom Cruise, Dame Joan Collins, and Sir Tom Jones will appear but via video message.

Oh, and so will Winnie the Pooh, of course.

Taking to the stage, not for their first royal event by any means, will also be Take That.

Despite previous rumours of a full reunion, Robbie Williams will not be performing with his old band.

But, Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, and Howard Donald will instead delight a crowd of 20,000 with their biggest hits.

The trio, who have appeared at Royal Variety shows and jubilees in the past, said of taking part: ‘This will be our first live show since the Odyssey Tour, four years ago in 2019, and what a stage to come back on!

‘A huge live band and orchestra, a choir, military drummers, the backdrop of Windsor Castle and the celebration of a new king. We can’t wait.’

All the artists will backed by a 70-piece orchestra and house band consisting of the Massed Bands of the Household Division and The Countess of Wessex’s String Orchestra.

They’ll also showcase their talents on a pretty epic stage, which was designed around the Union Jack flag.

Unveiled earlier this week, the stage lights up in red, white, and blue against the background of the East Terrace of the castle.

The Union Jack design is actually just one of many, as the stage will light up gold too.

Also, the stage will have a halo-like screen surrounding the roof, which the broadcaster has confirmed is to ‘symbolise the Crown protecting the nation.’

Anyone with a TV licence can tune in to watch the Coronation Concert at home, so don’t worry if you missed out on tickets.

The show will be broadcast live on BBC One, streamed live on BBC iPlayer, and will be heard on BBC Radio 2, when it kicks off at 8pm.

Among the presenters will be Kirsty Young, with Clara Amfo and Jordan Banjo meeting the performers backstage – while coverage for BBC Radio 2 will be helmed by Zoe Ball and Dermot O’Leary.

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