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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Entertainment
Barbara Ellen

Rick Astley: why we’re never gonna give up the evergreen 80s pop idol

Rick Astley on stage with a backing band
Rick Astley is hosting the BBC’s New Year’s Eve special. Photograph: Michael Leckie/BBC Studios

Some may think: why is the BBC welcoming in 2024 with “Mr 1987”? Though that suggests they missed the memo about the spectacular revival of Rick Astley. On Sunday night, 1980s pop star Astley will host BBC One’s New Year’s Eve show from the Roundhouse in Camden, north London, following in the footsteps of Sam Ryder and Years & Years, fronted by Olly Alexander.

Stars come back. It’s what they do. But few manage to do it in a way that makes them look infinitely cooler than before. As Astley, 57, continues to ride the Rickrolling phenomenon (more of which anon), his 2023 has been stellar.

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