June 17th: Later... with Jools Holland;
Series 68, Episode 6, BBC Two and iPlayer, Sunday 21st June at 10.00pm
In this final episode of the series, Jools welcomes for the first time on the show the international legend and five-time Grammy-winning
Shania Twain. The Queen of Country Pop chats to Jools at the piano about her forthcoming new album 'Little Miss Twain' and together they
perform a unique version of her UK Top 10 hit from 1997 'You're Still The One'.
Grammy, BRIT, Golden Globe and Oscar-winning artist Sam Smith appears in a UK television exclusive performance, following an intimate
live series of residencies in Brooklyn and San Francisco. Jools also chats to Sam about their new music. Making a welcome return to
the show is London poet, singer, songwriter and Mercury Prize-winning Arlo Parks, who performs a couple of songs from her third
album 'Ambiguous Desire'.
From Quebec in Canada, the much-talked-about microtonal cardboard duo Angine de Poitrine perform two tracks from their high-voltage
album 'Vol. II'. The prog rock duo are known for their polka-dot laden costumes and musical stylings of "pulsing drum grooves and
intricate tangles of double-necked guitar". Completing the lineup are the jazz quintet Knats, who perform a track from their debut
album 'A Great Day In Newcastle'.
January 27th: Autumn/Winter Tour 2026
Photo: BBC Photo Archive
Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra are delighted to announce their 2026 Autumn/Winter Tour
of 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.
