Rock with Laughter is back at the NEC this Christmas with a new face at the helm, TV favourite Lenny Henry.

Among the acts taking part are The Sugababes, comedian Alan Carr, The Village People, BAFTA-award winning Lee Mack, The Blockheads with Phill Jupitus, top Abba tribute band Bjorn Again, Mock The Week’s Dara O’Briain and comedian Shappi Khorsandi.

Providing three hours of modern style classic variety for the noughties, Rock with Laughter will take place at the newly redeveloped LG Arena at The NEC in Birmingham on Friday December 18 and Saturday December 19, 2009.

Tickets priced £32.50 plus booking and transaction fee are on sale now.

Lenny said “Yes! It’s true, the legendary Jasper Carrott has handed over the reins of Rock With Laughter to me, Lenny Henry.

“Jasper’s done a brilliant job of rocking the audience during his tenure and now that task falls to me and I’m really beside myself with joy (look, there I am standing beside myself with Joy – she’s lovely).

“We’ve got our best line up ever this year. Prepare to dance, sing and laugh your socks off (please wear socks for this purpose).

“For those about to Rock with Laughter – we salute you – this is gonna be a SHOW! Please sell something and get your tickets NOW! I am your Rock with Laughter ringmaster – let’s do this.”