Gary Barlow has announced Let It Shine, a BBC talent show that will search for a cast to star in a new Take That musical.
The Saturday night entertainment show, co-hosted by Graham Norton and Mel Giedroyc, will look for five talented individuals to perform the songs of Take That in a nationwide stage show.
The contest will take place over an eight-week period, and will see Gary and three mentors searching for individuals that exude “the charisma, showmanship and stage presence that the hit group has become so famous for”.
Speaking of the show, Barlow said: “Back in 1989, we were just a group of normal guys from Manchester who came together. The secret to our success was that each of us brought something different to the group and that the five of us had real chemistry.
“Now with Let It Shine we’re looking for people from all walks of life to form another unique group who can recreate that magic. If you think you’ve got what it takes, we want to see it!”
Can't wait to see what talent is out there! We're looking for guys to perform the songs of @TakeThat for a new show https://t.co/RlOoLG6kl9
— Gary Barlow (@GaryBarlow) June 17, 2016
Hosts Norton and Giedroyc also shared their excitement ahead of the show, with Graham saying: “The combination of the BBC, everyone’s favourite band and Saturday nights made this an offer I simply couldn’t refuse. If I wasn’t a part of Let It Shine, I know I would be watching it at home – this way I just get the best seat in the house.”
Giedroyc added, “This show brings together so many of the things I love – singing, dancing, Gary Barlow and Graham Norton.
“What’s not to love? I can’t wait to meet the singers and see the performances which I know will be utterly spectacular. If you know someone who’s got the moves, whether they already sing in the shower or on the stage, we want to see them.”
Barlow recently donned a mask of himself in Bristol to perform an impromptu concert for surprised shoppers. It has since been revealed that the performance was promotion for the new show.
.@GaryBarlow's looking for 5 guys to perform the songs of @TakeThat in a nationwide musical! https://t.co/vIcI0CP4Edhttps://t.co/2py55wTvLx
— BBC One (@BBCOne) June 17, 2016
Following the announcement that The Voice will be moving to ITV, Let It Shine will be a welcome replacement. It’s not the first time that the BBC have commissioned a show of this format. They found West End stars with the shows Over The Rainbow, I’d Do Anything, Any Dream Will Do and How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?, which were all hosted by Graham Norton.
Charlotte Moore, BBC Controller of TV Channels said they hope the show “will bring families together to celebrate Britain’s love of musical theatre, combining singing, performance and dance in a hotly contested search to find a new group.”
If you think you can be the next Gary, Howard, Mark, Jason or Robbie, you can apply on the BBC’s website.
Will you be watching Let It Shine? Let us know on Twitter @CelebMix.