The BBC has said that singer-songwriter Freya Ridings has pulled out of the Coronation Concert due to being unwell.
She was due to perform at the grounds of on Sunday, May 7, in celebration of .
The Lost Without You singer, 29, was supposed to perform a duet with classical-soul composer Alexis Ffrench.
Freya was one of the first acts announced for along with the likes of and .
It has now been confirmed by the broadcaster that British singer-songwriter Zak Abel – who has collaborated with Gorgon City, Kygo, and Tom Misch in the past – will instead step in for Freya.
The 28-year-old said: ‘I am honoured and overwhelmed to be included in the coronation celebrations.
‘To have the opportunity to be part of such a historic moment is something I will forever be humbled by and will never forget.’
In a statement, the broadcaster said: ‘The BBC has announced that British singer-songwriter Zak Abel is stepping in to perform at Sunday’s Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle, replacing Freya Ridings, who has had to pull out, due to being unwell and therefore unable to perform.
‘Having been diagnosed with otosclerosis, overgrowth, and brittleness of the stapes bone in the ear, which can lead to hearing loss, when he was just 21, Zak has overcome a number of hurdles in order to achieve success in the competitive world of music, which has led him to the opportunity to perform at this once in a lifetime event.’
Airing live on BBC this weekend, several as performers for the historic bash, including , Steve Winwood, pianist Lang Lang, plus .
The line-up will also include , Pete Tong Ibiza Classics, featuring Vula and JERUB, and .
Coronation of King Charles III latest
The historic Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla will take place in Westminster Abbey on Saturday, May 6, 2023.
For all the latest royal updates, visit .
And as if that wasn’t enough, , Dame Joan Collins, andwill 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 be 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,
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 license 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.
