New BBC talent show Let It Shine will go head-to-head with the broadcaster's former star search The Voice tonight, as both series launch on rival channels.
New BBC star search Let It Shine will go head-to-head with the broadcaster’s former talent show The Voice tonight, as both series launch on rival channels.
The Voice was bought by ITV and will debut in its new home after five series with the BBC – battling it out against the BBC's latest reality show, which aims to find the cast of a musical inspired by Take That’s hits.
Let It Shine is fronted by Take That singer-songwriter and former X Factor mentor Gary Barlow, who will sit on the judging panel alongside Dannii Minogue and Martin Kemp.
They are looking to cast a group of male singers to star in the production, although details of the stage show’s plot are still being kept under wraps.
Presented by former Great British Bake Off host Mel Giedroyc and comedian Graham Norton, the programme will also welcome celebrity judges including pop veteran Lulu and musical theatre star Amber Riley as the hopefuls are put through their paces.
Meanwhile, ITV’s search for a star kicks off with Will.i.am, Sir Tom Jones, Gavin Rossdale and Jennifer Hudson on the judging panel for this series of The Voice.
The Voice presenter Emma Willis said the two programmes should not fight over TV ratings.
Speaking at The Voice UK’s launch, Emma, whose husband Matt Willis of Busted is working on Let It Shine, said she was a “big fan” of Barlow and Take That.
She told the Press Association: “I think the more feel-good shows we can have on television the better.
“It’s January – let’s not fight about it, let’s have a good one.”
Let It Shine begins tonight on BBC1 at 7pm. The Voice begins at 8pm on ITV.
