Transformers! How 50-strong ‘glam squad’ turns Starstruck wannabes into their pop idols
THE concept of wannabe stars impersonating their idols is simple and, given the roaring success of Stars In Their Eyes for 16 years, tipped to be a ratings winner.
But behind the scenes, it takes 50 people to pull off the remarkable transformation of the public into their musical idols for the new ITV talent show Starstruck.
The team on the series, which began last night, pay minute attention to skin tone, nails and wigs, with its stylists spending hours hunting down the perfect outfits. A source said makeovers take up to five hours.
‘It’s like a military operation,’ said the insider. ‘There are 50 people involved in this process and I’m not sure there is a bigger team behind any show on British TV.
‘Every single detail is given the utmost attention.’
Viewers last night saw four groups, each with three singers, go up against one other.
Each group was transformed into a singing celebrity – Lady Gaga, Freddie Mercury, Ariana Grande or Marvin Gaye – and then had to perform that singer’s hits on stage.
It took hours for father-of-two Rob Lea to become the Queen frontman as he looked in the mid 1980s. After winning his section, the 34-year-old revealed that he had suffered panic attacks for years.
‘Since the age of 18 I’ve suffered heavily from anxiety, but performing was my calling from being a little boy so I forced myself to get on the stage,’ he told The Mail on Sunday.
‘I spent years religiously throwing up before shows, enduring panic attacks off and on stage.’
Three women – Harriet, 26, barmaid Georgia, 22 and waitress Ella, 25 – all performed as Lady Gaga, wowing the judges and presenter Olly Murs.
ITV hope that the show, which features Sheridan Smith, Jason Manford, Beverley Knight and US singer Adam Lambert on its judging panel, will emulate the success of ITV’s Stars In Their Eyes.
Launched in July 1990, that talent show was originally hosted by Leslie Crowther before Matthew Kelly took over in 1993.
It attracted around 13 million viewers for the live grand final at the end of each series and inspired the catchphrase: ‘Tonight Matthew, I’m going to be...’