Mel C shows off her bra under a striking white suit as she leads the stars arriving at the Royal Variety Performance 2023 with Hannah Waddingham

Mel C led the star-studded arrivals at the Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall on Thursday evening.

The Spice Girl, 49, looked as chic as ever as she showed off her blue bra under a striking white suit as she was one of the first to hit the red carpet.

She was joined by actress Hannah Waddingham, 49, and Never Gonna Give You Up singer Rick Astley, 57, who looked typically dashing in a black suit.

The Royal Variety Performance is now watched by more than 152 million TV viewers worldwide, but will not be broadcast until December 17.

It’s back for 2023 – and this year William and Kate will appear in the royal box, along with Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and her husband, Prince Daniel.

This year’s event promises to present ‘international stars, world-class theatre, sensational and hilarious comedy’ in the presence of the royal visitors.

King Charles will not attend this year’s COP28 climate summit in the United Arab Emirates.

The event, now in its 111th year, is hosted by comedian Bradley Walsh. However, it will not be broadcast live on TV and will be shown on December 17.

This year the event will be held at the Royal Albert Hall and, as always, will benefit the Royal Variety charity,

Mel, full name Mel Chisholm, attended the event with theater friend Ben Forster.

She always looked sporty as she showed off a glimpse of her toned abs under the iconic ensemble.

Mel was very glamorous for her night out, with her auburn locks styled in loose waves, while she added a touch of red nail polish.

Hannah Waddington captured the essence of royal glamor as she put her glorious curves on display in a figure-hugging jeweled dress.

The 49-year-old has become even more of a national treasure after hosting the British Eurovision Song Contest earlier this year.

Hannah looked nothing short of sensational with a silk gold tie draped around her stunning ensemble, as she kept her platinum locks elegantly combed back.

At the same time, pop singer Zara Larsson arrived, looking stunning in a shimmering bronze dress with a low round neckline and statement hood.

The symphony singer, 25, went all glam with her makeup, opting for black winged eyeliner and glossy plum lipstick to match the shades of her dress.

She was joined by a beaming Beverley Knight, who wowed in a stunning metallic dress with a fitted design in the fabric, creating a unique spiral effect.

The Greatest Day singer, 50, styled her tresses with a center parting, while the low-cut neckline showed off inches of her glowing skin.

Meanwhile, Samantha Barks, 33, turned heads in a royal blue dress with a plunging ruffled neckline.

The I’ll Do Anything actress wowed in the stunning ensemble with perfectly styled luscious locks.

Headliner Cher, 77, will perform tunes from her upcoming Christmas album. She will be accompanied by pop stars McFly, Paloma Faith and Rick Astley.

Mel C will also take to the stage, 26 years after her girl group told Prince Charles he was ‘very sexy’, kissed his cheek and squeezed his bum.

The first show began in 1912 when King George V and Queen Mary attended the Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue.

There have been many iconic moments since then, including The Beatles making their irreverent debut on the show in 1963 when John Lennon asked, “Would the people in the cheaper seats clap your hands?” And the rest of you, as long as you rattled your jewelry.”

The 1960 show was the first to air on television and has only reached new heights of popularity every year.

The 2023 performance is expected to include Ellie Goulding, Paloma Faith and Hannah Waddingham.

Each year the winner of Britain’s Got Talent is also allocated a performance space – and this year it was Viggo Venn, who is known for his love of hi-vis clothing.