Ben hosts Queen's jubilee tribute

Ben Elton is to host the jubilee concert in Buckingham Palace.

The job marks the former firebrand comic's latest step from darling of the left to figure of the establishment.

Elton - whose latest musical based around the music of Queen has been roundly slammed by critics - will share the Palace stage with the likes of Cliff Richard, Phil Collins and Pop Idol winner Will Young.

He will split the compere's role with Barry Humphries as Dame Edna Everage, Lenny Henry and Bond star Pierce Brosnan.

The £4 million event, funded by BBC licence-payers, takes place on June 3 in front of 12,000 guests and a TV audience of millions.

Stars including The Rolling Stones, Kylie Minogue and The Who have reportedly turned down the chance to appear.

But others on the bill include Eric Clapton, Brian Wilson, Elton John and Tom Jones.

Published: 19 May 2002