Martin Kemp, Dannii Minogue and Glee's Amber Riley have been named as the permanent judges on BBC1's new Saturday night talent show, Let It Shine
Gary Barlow's search for talented souls to be part of a band in a new stage show based on the music of Take That will feature Martin Kemp, Dannii Minogue and Glee's Amber Riley as judges.
The new eight-part BBC1 show is called Let It Shine and Gary said: “Dannii, Martin and Amber all bring so much to this panel with the breadth of experience in music, acting, stage and TV. I can’t wait to get started – it’s going to be epic.”
Graham Norton and Mel Giedroyc will be co-hosts on the series.
Let It Shine will have three stages. The musical theatre star Amber Riley, who rose to fame as Mercedes Jones in Glee, joins the first stage of the competition to give her expert opinion to the budding stars.
Stages two and three of the competition will outlined later.
Former X Factor judge Dannii Minogue said: “I'm so excited to be returning to the UK and joining the judging panel of Let It Shine. To be a performer, you must have a burning desire to perform, then you train at all the skills you need to shine. This show gives everyone that chance. I can't wait!”
Actor and Spandau Ballet star Martin Kemp said: “I’m so thrilled to be a part of the BBC’s Let It Shine and taking on a role where I will be able to pass on a little of my 45 years’ worth of experience, in music, television and film, to young people just starting out on their journey!
"It’s a chance to find not just the most talented, but also those who have that something extra special called charisma, that literally will ‘shine’ from the stage. I won’t just be judging, but trying to give a constructive thought that will help them towards winning that incredible final prize.”
Amber said: "One of the unique things about Glee was the covers of popular songs. They became the soundtrack to people's lives, as well as the characters on the show. I am so excited to see what the UK talent has to offer and share some of my experience on the stage to help them reach their full potential.
"I’m not just looking for the biggest voices or the biggest personalities, but those who have what it takes to make it on TV and on stage.”
