Leading names from the worlds of comedy and pop music came together to launch the annual variety show Rock With Laughter which is back in Birmingham this December.

For the second year running Dudley-born comedian Lenny Henry is compere at Rock With Laughter 2010 which is at the LG Arena from December 10-12.

The 52-year-old will perform his own material alongside fellow comedians Alan Carr, Ed Byrne, and Jo Brand. Musically, Wolverhampton-born Beverley Knight will return to her roots for the show.

And members of Slade will perform – to make sure everyone knows it’s Christmas.

Abba tribute band Björn Again and Rolf Harris and his band are also lined up, as is ex-Young Ones and Bottom star Adrian Edmondson who along with his band The Bad Shepherds will perform versions of punk songs on folk instruments,

For Beverley Knight, it is her first time on the Rock With Laughter bill, which is now its fourth year.

Beverley, who was born in Penn Fields, is currently at home as her father Edward Smith, aged 71, is ill in New Cross Hospital.

She did not want to go into details, but said: “I’ve been visiting my dad in New Cross Hospital today and the staff are looking after him very well.”

Talking about the show, she added: “It’s the first time I’ve done the show and hopefully it won’t be the last.

“I don’t know what I will be singing yet but I’m hoping to get some kind of Christmas feel in there, I’d like to do something special.

“I’m really looking forward to the show. I’m a big stand-up fan – I’ve seen Jo Brand before and I saw Alan Carr at Jackson’s Theatre in Highgate and Lenny, I just love.”

About to start work on a new tribute album in October, Beverley will be busy recording in the run-up to the event, and will also start work on her eighth album in that time.

Tickets are priced from £22.50-£32.50 with booking and transaction fees and are available online at www.the ticketfactory.com or by calling 0844 338 8000.

By Alex Homer