In a year that has been dominated by COVID disruption, the dreaded virus has delivered another late change to this years Carols By Candlelight.
With more travel restrictions likely to be imposed in Sydney due to an outbreak this week, presenter and performer David Campbell has made the decision to stay at home with his family this year rather than hosting the traditional event.
His decision means many Victorian’s will finally get their wish and have two Melbournian’s in the key role for this year’s Carols. Eddie McGuire will now co-host, alongside the previously announced Livinia Nixon.
Confirming the hosting change, Eddie McGuire expressed his delight at being involved with the event.
“My fondest memories of Christmas as a little boy are of watching Brian Naylor host Carols by Candlelight while helping mum bake for Christmas lunch.
We’d then all head off together to midnight mass. To this day, my family and I all sit down and watch Carols by Candlelight every year. In our fast-moving, ever-changing lives, Carols is a Christmas Eve tradition that we all look forward to.
“I genuinely love Christmas. Whether as a little boy or a father, it is the best time of year. We really embrace the Christmas spirit at our house.
“I’ve always enjoyed watching the show every year and I’m really excited and chuffed to be involved.”
This years event will be conducted without an audience due to government restrictions. Nine has indicated ‘viewers can expect to see a few surprises’ during the broadcast as the network looks to fill the void of the missing candle display.
The 2020 Carols By Candlelight will feature a raft of Australia’s favourite performers including cast members from Hamilton and Come From Away, together with Dami Im, Casey Donovan, Ella Hooper, Mark Seymour, Bonnie Anderson, Jimmy Rees, Isaiah Firebrace, Christie Whelan-Browne, Simon Gleeson, Rob Mills, Bobby Fox, as well as the Carols family of Marina Prior, David Hobson, Anthony Callea, Tim Campbell, Denis Walter Silvie Paladino and more.
