Amy Irons on returning to present Hogmanay 2025, what she’s learnt from last year and why this year’s show feels twice as big

Amy Irons leads Scotland into the New Year with Hogmanay 2025, featuring music from Nathan Evans, Michelle McManus, Tide Lines’ Robert Robertson, and Georgia Cécile performing classic Scottish modern tunes backed by Roddy Hart and the Lonesome Fire. Plus award-winning Scottish trad supergroup Mànran perform.

Some of Scotland’s biggest stars join Amy to look back at their highlights of 2025. Also joining the party are Scottish comedy icons Karen Dunbar and Tom Urie, reuniting as Almost Angelic for a special Hogmanay performance, while Chief Commissioner Cameron Miekelson – aka The Chief – delivers his special address to the people of Scotland.

As is tradition, we go live to Edinburgh with Des Clarke, who will be at the heart of the action in the capital to lead us into the countdown to the bells, with the lone piper on the ramparts of the castle, the firing of the iconic Mons Meg at midnight, and the city’s amazing firework display, soundtracked by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.

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Interview with Amy Irons

How does it feel to be returning to present BBC Scotland’s Hogmanay show for the second year?

It’s a real honour. Being asked to do it once was incredible, but being asked back feels like a massive vote of confidence – especially for the “difficult second album”! I feel much more confident going into this year.

Last year, the overwhelming feeling was probably pressure and expectation. I just wanted it to go well. Coming into the second year, I feel a lot more comfortable and at ease in my role as presenter, and I hope that comes across to the audience too, that they feel right at home with us on the programme.

Have you learned anything from hosting the show last year that’s shaped how you’ve approached it this time?

Last year, I think I focused a lot on the scale of the programme and the size of the audience. The responsibility of being asked to host something so big probably dominated my thoughts.

This year, I’ve learned to put that to one side. Of course it’s important, but instead I’m thinking more about the fact that I’m in someone’s living room. I almost imagine I’m doing it for one person rather than thinking about how many people are watching. If someone is on their own at Hogmanay and they’ve got us on, I want it to feel like I’m right there talking to them.

It feels much more intimate this year. I’m more confident and relaxed in the role, which is probably natural the second time you do anything, but I still feel very honoured and very lucky to be doing this job.

What was the reaction from your friends and family seeing you bring in the bells on the BBC last year?

It was amazing. It was probably the proudest moment of my career, and maybe ever will be. What made it so special was that it brought both sides of my family together. My mum and dad divorced years ago, but everyone came together at my auntie’s house to watch.

They made a proper occasion of it – the basement was set up like a venue, with a bar, all the seating out, and a massive projector screen. I’ve still got all the photos and videos from that night. Being able to share that moment with my family will always be the highlight of my career so far.

How do you prepare for such a huge broadcast? Do you have any pre-show rituals?

At this time of year, the main thing is trying to avoid all the bugs and colds that are going around. There’s been a really bad bout of flu, so staying well is my priority.

Then there’s the show prep: making sure the script sounds like me and that I feel ready for the broadcast. And then, like most women my age at this time of year, there’s the hair, the nails, the eyebrow appointments, finding the dress. There’s a lot of work that goes into bringing festive sparkle to the show.

But it’s all been worth it. This year’s set looks incredible, it feels like a proper festive Scottish Hogmanay celebration. It feels twice as big, with different sections for comedy, the address from The Chief, and a big stage for the house band. I can’t wait for people to see it – it’s opulent, fun, festive, and really exciting!

Looking back on 2025, what’s been one of your highlights?

Professionally, launching The Saturday Show has been a huge highlight. I spent so much of my childhood travelling to football matches with my dad, always listening to Radio Scotland in the car, so being part of people’s Saturday mornings feels really special. It’s been a joy to help set people up for their weekend. That’s definitely been the professional highlight of the year.

Scotland qualifying for the World Cup has been both a professional and personal highlight, and becoming an auntie for the first time has been a huge personal one too. 2025 has been another big year, full of things I don’t take for granted. Looking back, I feel really grateful for all of it.

What can audiences expect from Hogmanay 2025?

They can expect a really pacy, fun, vibrant show. There’s so much packed into that hour that it will absolutely fly by.

It’s like being at a Hogmanay party, you’ve got a bit of everything. There’s comedy, great chat, drinks being served by Gavin Mitchell, and a brilliant variety of music. We’ve got proper Scottish trad, iconic tunes, and songs everyone knows.

Our guest lineup is incredible: Michelle McManus, Nathan Evans, Robert Robertson, Georgia Cécile, Roddy Hart – we’re really spoiled this year. I hope the audience feels like they’re on a Hogmanay rollercoaster and that everyone finds something they love in the show.

If you had to describe this year’s Hogmanay show in three words, what would they be?

Upbeat, fun, and varied. It feels modern but still traditional, there’s a real mix of everything in there!

Are there any songs, foods, or rituals that instantly put you in the Hogmanay spirit?

Now that I’m older, it definitely has to be a glass of champagne. But when I was a kid, my granny would always give us fizzy juice, and we’d feel very fancy drinking it from a proper glass. I’ve upgraded from fizzy juice to champagne over the years.

Food-wise, I always think of crisps and dips, specially sour cream and chive. My granny would always have those little tubs of dips. Crisps, dip, and a Hogmanay fizz – that’s it.

For music, it’s always a varied playlist, but Bruce Springsteen or Billy Joel instantly put me in the Hogmanay mood because my dad plays them all the time. You can’t beat We Didn’t Start the Fire or Dancing in the Dark.

Finally, what are you most looking forward to in 2026? Any New Year’s resolutions?

I’m really looking forward to 2026, especially Scotland being at the World Cup! Hopefully that means a trip to America in the summer.

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