October 6th: Later... with Jools Holland,
Series 69 Episode 1, Sunday 11th October, 10.00pm on BBC Two and iPlayer
Photo: BBC
BBC Two's flagship music showcase, Later... with Jools Holland, is returning for its 69th Series. Broadcast
from Alexandra Palace Theatre in North London, the show kicks off the new run with a signature medley of styles and
artists: Paul Heaton; Skye Newman; DC3; Mary in the Junkyard; and Dermot Henry will perform on the first show.
In addition, the legendary guitarist and songwriter Johnny Marr will sit with Jools for an in-depth interview about his
creative process and new album, The Age of Everything.
Autumn/Winter Tour 2026
Photo: BBC Photo Archive
Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra's 2026 Autumn/Winter Tour covers 31 dates
across the UK, visiting some of the country's most iconic venues, including London's Royal
Albert Hall, Birmingham Symphony Hall, O2 Apollo Manchester, and Glasgow's SEC Armadillo.
Joining Jools and the Orchestra as special guest for every date of the tour will be one of the UK's most
celebrated soul voices, Roachford.
Since his breakthrough hit Cuddly Toy topped the UK charts in 1988, Roachford has released 10 studio albums,
been sought after as a songwriter by Michael Jackson, Joss Stone and Chaka Khan, and built a reputation as an
outstanding live performer. Jools is so excited to have Andrew Roachford with him on this tour.
Awarded an MBE for Services to Music, Roachford continues to perform at the very top of his game. His recent releases,
including Twice in a Lifetime and Then and Now, have been met with widespread acclaim, and his live shows are celebrated
for their warmth, soul and emotional connection. Joining forces with Jools on tour promises a thrilling meeting of
musical minds, rich in groove, passion and timeless songwriting.
Opening each night will be Joe Webb, one of the
UK's most exciting young pianists and improvisers, who has guested with Jools Holland on stage on several occasions and appeared on
his latest BBC New Year's Eve Jools' Annual Hootenanny TV programme. Blending the flavour of Britpop with classic jazz idioms,
Joe's inclusion is the perfect complement to proceedings.
Jools Holland said: "I'm absolutely delighted to be heading out again with our big band. Having Roachford join us for every night
of the tour is a real joy – he's one of the great soul voices this country has produced, and every time he sings the room lights up.
With the mighty Orchestra, our wonderful boogie woogie singers, and the brilliant Joe Webb opening the shows, we're in for some very
special evenings of music".
Fans will be thrilled to hear that the shows will once again feature the incredible
Ruby Turner, the Boogie Woogie Queen, as well as
the outstanding vocals of Louise Marshall, and
Sumudu Jayatilaka. Together with the skillful
musicianship of the Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, Jools Holland will be performing songs from throughout his career. With a catalogue of
classics to choose from, the tour promises another unforgettable run of shows.
