Lee Mead and Kerry Ellis in Lionel Bart tribute on Christmas Eve

Lionel Bart would have been 80 this year and to mark the occasion Barbara Windsor is presenting Friday Night is Music Night from Hackney Empire (Bart’s favourite venue) on Radio2 on Christmas Eve at 8:00 pm.

She will be joined by musical theatre star Lee Mead performing "From Russia with Love" which was composed by Bart, Kerry Ellis (Nancy in Oliver!) Emma Barton who recently appeared in Chicago and EastEnders Samantha Womack (Ronnie Mitchell).

Bradley Walsh will be there to remember Bart’s work which starts with the Cliff Richard hit Living Doll to the score for the musical Oliver! which is currently playing at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.