Reign of nasty judges is over, says the new queen of Sunday night TV (we think she means you, Simon!)
FROM Strictly to The X Factor, the merciless TV talent show judge who savages contestants has been a love/hate figure for audiences for decades.
But their days may be numbered – as judging panels become more caring and supportive.
West End star Samantha Barks, one of the judges on UTV’s new celebrity contest All Star Musicals which starts tonight, says the trend for stinging jibes from celebrities such as Simon Cowell will now give way to warmth and empathy.
After coming third in the BBC talent series I’d Do Anything in 2008, the 31-year-old, who went on to star in the film version of Les Miserables, said she understood the pressures that hopefuls face performing on television.
She vowed that contestants on All Star Musicals – weatherman Alex Beresford, actress Jacqueline Jossa, wildlife presenter Michaela Strachan, Coronation Street’s Lisa George, James Bond actor Colin Salmon and rugby star Danny Care – will not face withering put-downs from the judges.
Asked if the show would veer away from sharp-tongued critics such as Nigel Lythgoe, Craig Revel Horwood and Alan Sugar, she replied, ‘Yes, it’s a big part of the show. Something I love about the show is the positivity. It’s very much a positive space.
‘I mean we are honest and there’s times when we will say “You know, that could have been stronger”, but the more important thing is the positives. It’s fun, for me, as I think that’s such a beautiful part of the show. It’s about making people be their best selves and do their best performances’.
She added: ‘We’re sitting there, the three of us on the panel, giving so much love from our seats. We’re waiting for them to succeed, not easy. You have to be persistent. I keep going until I wear somebody down’.
A source said: ‘Simon’s been successful in every other field in music and on television. Now he’s determined to crack Hollywood.’
waiting for them to fail.’ Each performer will be given ‘the ultimate musical theatre masterclass’ as they vie to be voted All Star Musicals champion. Their mentors and judges on the show will also include Elaine Paige and Aladdin star Trevor Dion Nicholas.