Ronan Keating is set to bring joy to audiences with his New Year’s Eve concert on BBC One, scheduled to air just before the midnight fireworks. Speaking during rehearsals at London’s Riverside Studios, Keating expressed his desire to support individuals facing challenges during this often lonely time of year. “It can be a very lonely time for a lot of people. A very hard time,” he told BBC News. His mission for the show is to inject a sense of optimism as the world shifts into 2026.
Keating aims to uplift spirits, hoping that his performance will provide solace to those who may feel isolated. “I hope that I can bring some sort of joy to people, so they feel like they’re not at home alone tonight, that I’m right there with them,” he added. Drawing inspiration from one of his well-known songs, he aspires to conclude 2025 by putting a “smile on your face.”
Celebrating a Musical Tradition
The New Year’s Eve concert has become a celebrated tradition, showcasing prominent musical talents. Last year, Sophie Ellis-Bextor headlined the event, which has previously featured artists such as Robbie Williams, Alicia Keys, and Madness. These performances typically attract one of the largest TV audiences for music programming each year. Reflecting on his opportunity, Keating remarked, “I feel truly honoured. The people who have gone before me. Ridiculous. And here I am, little old me.”
Standing beside a dazzling light display spelling out his name, Keating humorously mused about where the decorations might be stored after the concert, jokingly suggesting, “In my bedroom? That would be amazing.”
This year’s show promises special guest appearances, continuing the tradition of surprise collaborations. Keating has enlisted his former flatmate, Louise, from the group Eternal, to join him on stage. “Lou and I and Shano [his nickname for Boyzone’s Shane Lynch], we were flatmates back in 1995,” he reminisced. “It was a poptastic house.”
In addition, former EastEnders star and recent reality show finalist Shona McGarty will perform alongside Keating. Praising her vocal talent, he stated, “What a voice. She was singing every night on the show and I just thought, man, we’ve got to get her on New Year’s Eve.”
Looking Back and Ahead
Tonight, McGarty will not reprise her reality show performance but will instead duet on the Tracy Chapman classic “Baby Can I Hold You,” a song previously recorded by Boyzone. Calum Scott will also join the lineup, performing the late Stephen Gately’s part on “No Matter What.” This week marks the 30th anniversary of Boyzone’s rendition of “Father and Son,” which notably lost the number one spot to Michael Jackson’s “Earth Song.”
As excitement builds for a planned Boyzone reunion in June 2026, Keating revealed that two of his former bandmates, Keith Duffy and Shane Lynch, will appear during the concert. “Boyzone never headlined a stadium before,” he beamed about the upcoming shows at London’s Emirates Stadium. The anticipation surrounding the event is palpable, as Keating noted, “The guest list is ridiculous. The phone hasn’t stopped ringing.”
While Keating embraces the festive spirit, he has chosen to forego making any New Year’s resolutions. “If I’ve got to make changes, I make them now. I won’t wait till a certain date, because I’ll only fail,” he stated. Reflecting on the past two years, he mentioned the importance of family and friends, especially following the tragic loss of his brother, Ciaran, in July 2023.
“Now, keeping the family together is more important than ever for me,” Keating emphasized. This personal sentiment underscores the emotional weight he carries into the New Year’s celebration.
Tonight, through music, he will share his journey of over 30 years, transitioning from a pop star to a devoted family man. “Ronan and Friends: A New Year’s Eve Party” will air on BBC One and iPlayer from 23:30, except in Scotland, where a Hogmanay show featuring Nathan Evans and Michelle McManus will take place.
