Ronan Keating on His New Year’s Eve Show, Fresh Starts and the Boyzone Reunion

Ronan Keating has said he hopes his New Year’s Eve concert on BBC One will offer comfort to viewers who may be finding the festive period difficult. Speaking during rehearsals at London’s Riverside Studios, Keating said the transition into a new year can be especially challenging.

“It can be a very lonely time for a lot of people,” he said. “You reflect on a tough year, so you want to look towards optimism into 2026.”

The show, Ronan and Friends: A New Year’s Eve Party, will air either side of the midnight fireworks and feature hits from across his more than 30-year career.

A Prestigious BBC Slot

Keating follows in the footsteps of artists such as Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Robbie Williams and Alicia Keys, who have previously headlined the BBC’s flagship New Year’s Eve music slot.

“How does this happen?” he said, standing in front of a stage display spelling out his name in large illuminated letters. “I feel truly honoured. Be careful what you wish for.”

The annual programme has become one of the BBC’s biggest music broadcasts of the year, often drawing millions of viewers.

Surprise Guests and Old Friends

As tradition dictates, the show will include a number of special guest appearances. Among them is singer Louise Redknapp, a former flatmate of Keating’s during the height of 1990s pop.

“We were flatmates back in 1995,” he recalled. “It was a poptastic house.”

Also joining him is former EastEnders star Shona McGarty, who will duet on Baby Can I Hold You, a song Boyzone famously took into the UK charts.

Singer-songwriter Calum Scott will also appear, performing alongside Keating on No Matter What.

Looking Ahead to Boyzone’s Return

Fans will also get a glimpse of what lies ahead for Boyzone. Bandmates Keith Duffy and Shane Lynch are set to appear, ahead of the group’s planned reunion in 2026. Boyzone are scheduled to play two major shows at London’s Emirates Stadium in June, marking the band’s first-ever stadium headline performances.

“It’s unbelievable,” Keating said. “Boyzone never headlined a stadium before. The interest has been incredible.”

No Resolutions, Just Perspective

Despite the symbolic nature of New Year’s Eve, Keating said he does not believe in making resolutions.

“If I need to make changes, I make them now,” he said. “I won’t wait for a date.”

He added that recent personal loss has reshaped his priorities. In 2023, his brother Ciaran died in a car accident while travelling to watch his son play football.

“Spending time with family and loved ones is more important than ever,” Keating said.

As he prepares to welcome in 2026, Keating acknowledged that music remains both a gift to his audience and a source of healing for himself.