Let it Shine enters its second stage auditions

More details are emerging about the BBC’s new Saturday night entertainment show, Let It Shine.

The hunt for five likely lads to play Take That in a new touring musical show is already underway, with individual auditions over and group auditions taking place to shed more hopefuls from the process before the show airs in the new year.

In the second stage of filming, five groups of eight contestants will perform together alongside some of the UK’s biggest names in pop, including Busted, Beverly Knight, Olly Murs and Melanie C, with former The Voice coach, Ricky Wilson’s Kaiser Chiefs also taking part.

The top twenty five performers will make it through to the live finals.

Lulu is joining the second stage as a guest judge, alongside the permanent judges Gary Barlow, Martin Kemp and Dannii Minogue. Take That’s ‘Relight my Fire’ collaborator says: “I have always loved working and sharing in the success story that is Take That. So the chance to bring my experience and knowledge of west end musicals, to help cast for a new show, feels a privilege and I am thrilled to do it.“

Lulu follows on from Glee star Amber Riley, who guest judged the first stage. Guest judges for the live shows will be announced in due course.

Naturally, commentators are already relishing a battle for ratings, as it looks like Let it Shine will go directly up against The Voice (now on ITV) for all of, oh, at least 15 minutes. *rolls eyes*. Random anonymous outraged people are already pointing to the BBC’s charter where it dictates that the state owned channel Must Not Compete. Phooey. Catch Up, anyone? +1? I’m sure I can speak for the majority - not all, there’s always one - of viewers who are perfectly capable of watching both if we want to. Seriously. Get a grip already.

Let it Shine’s editor, Guy Freeman, is very excited about it all, saying: “Having seen everyone perform as individuals in the auditions, this spectacular show is all about them working together in groups - supporting each other and their guest star artist.

"Singing and dancing, these specially arranged and staged performances will definitely put them through their paces, as well as provide viewers with some show-stopping entertainment.

"The contestants have really been putting the work in and I’m sure the judges are going to have some tough decisions to make.

"Those who make it through this stage will be one step closer to the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of performing in a new touring musical featuring the songs of Take That.”

Earlier details regarding Let it Shine can be read here.

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