GET READY TO BE STARSTRUCK!
We chat with the stars of your new Saturday night obsession
Fans of Stars In Their Eyes rejoice. While the classic show itself isn’t returning, ITV’S latest offering, Starstruck, is taking all the best elements of the ’90s Saturday night staple and putting a modern spin on it. The show will see teams of three singers impersonating their musical icon competing against other teams – and then each other – for the chance to win £50k.
We chatted to presenter Olly Murs, and Beverley Knight and Adam Lambert – who make up one half of the judging panel along with Jason Manford and Sheridan Smith – about what to expect…
When you first see the performers, is it their transformation or the sound you notice first?
Adam: I think it’s a package deal. That’s what’s so interesting about it. It’s hard to separate it. Beverley: Initially, because the first thing we see is their transformation from civvies into glorious outfits, wigs and everything, that draws your eyes first. But some people walk on without the make-up and already have a look of the person they’re emulating. Once you’ve got past that, then you notice everything else. All the little nuances that make someone become that person. A: It was tricky, because we were having to judge on a handful of different criteria: the look, the sound, movement – but it’s not easy. There were definitely some differences of opinion – friendly debates – but that makes a good show. Olly: They made some bad decisions – just saying!
In the first episode, we saw you all perform together. Will we get that treat again?
A: Yes, we do it one more time.
I have to say – and I’m not just being nice here – but we walked in and there was an instant chemistry. Everyone genuinely liked each other. So, when the time came to sing together, it was the icing on the cake. We’re all performers, so to be able to do that together was a good bonding experience. O: Also remember, the first half of last year – January to April – it was like a lockdown . So, it was nice for all of us to be in a room and meet and see people, and have fun! It was nice to get back to work.
Are we going to see any Olly Murs impersonators?
A: There is an Olly Murs team…
What was that like?
O: It was actually a really humbling moment. I didn’t know until the day itself. I walked in and saw they were going to be me and, actually, I really hoped they’d do a good job. But, at the same time, I was thinking, “What are Beverley and Adam going to say? What’s Jason going to say?” It was a weird moment for me, but I was so humbled by it, and it was actually quite emotional. I was a bit like, “Wow, these people have actually studied me.”
If you each had to choose someone to impersonate, who would it be?
B: I just want one moment of being a genius, a musical genius. I’d want to be Prince, because I’m so obsessed with him. I love him so much. But I will sound nothing like him.
A: I would go for George Michael or Elvis.
O: I’d probably be Michael Bublé. ■
Starstruck continues this Saturday on ITV and ITV Hub
‘I want to be Michael Bublé’