Harry Hill confirmed as Stars In Their Eyes host
It has now been officially confirmed that Harry Hill will host a new version of ITV singing show Stars In Their Eyes.
The programme, which launched in 1990 and ran until 2006, sees contestants impersonate music stars. Leslie Crowther, Matthew Kelly, Davina McCall and Cat Deeley have previously hosted the format; most notably Kelly, who is associated with the catchphrase "Tonight Matthew, I'm going to be...". At its height, Stars In Their Eyes was watched by over 12 million viewers.
ITV confirms: "This exciting new revival of the hit series will be hosted by award winning comedian Harry Hill, who will unleash his unique wit on this much loved British TV favourite. As well as an abundance of dry ice and sizzling new sliding doors, the hugely popular TV format will feature all-new extraordinary transformations and exceptional musical imitations.
"Emerging from the iconic doors, members of the public will take centre stage in a brand new arena, having been transformed into global music icons by the industry's leading make-up and wardrobe stylists."
Harry Hill says: "Without a doubt, appearing on Stars in their Eyes as Morrissey all those years ago (although beaten, unfairly in my view, by Kirsty Young's Peggy Lee) was one of the highlights of my light entertainment career. So imagine the smile bought to my lips when I was asked by ITV at a secret breakfast meeting in a top London hotel to take the reigns of this Rolls-Royce of pop-impression talent shows and walk in the footsteps of showbiz giants Crowther, Kelly and Deeley! And on ITV too! Dust off the wigs and sequins - I'm coming home!"
ITV's Director of Entertainment and Comedy, Elaine Bedell says: "It's so good to have Harry back in the heart of ITV peak time, bringing his own unique, brilliantly comic flair to such a popular show. We love working with Harry at ITV, and we're also developing further formats, with the BAFTA award-winning comedian."
Mirella Breda, Creative Director at production company Initial, adds: "It's incredibly exciting to be reviving a legendary format for ITV. Harry's brilliantly original comedic style offers a fresh twist and a unique spin on the series, which promises to appeal to audiences both old and new."
As was reported on Monday, Harry Hill is also working on a BBC One project. However, Bedell, in an interview with trade magazine Broadcast, confirmed that ITV was working on developing further formats for the TV Burp star too.
Here is a clip of Hill appearing on Stars In Their Eyes:
Elaine Bedell also confirmed in the interview with Broadcast that ITV was looking to create more comedy formats. She said: "Comedy is just starting to flourish and there are many more things I want to do here."
Speaking about how launching comedy shows on the very mainstream ITV is seen as a risk by some producers, Bedell said: "We would like more comedy on the channel on a regular basis. There is some nervousness, and I'd be the first to admit that the main channel can be a very exposing place, but a lot of comedy writers and producers have mainstream sensibilities. Look at Mrs Brown's Boys - there was real nervousness at the BBC about that piece. If producers embrace the mainstream, the rewards can be very valuable indeed."
Benidorm, Birds Of A Feather, Off Their Rockers and Vicious are all due to return to ITV's main channel.
Meanwhile ITV2 is working on new comedy format Bad Bridesmaid and the sitcom Cockroaches. Series 2 of The Job Lot and Plebs will be screened on ITV2 this autumn, with broadcast dates expected to be announced shortly.
As revealed last week, ITV is due to film a new series of Sunday Night At The London Palladium shortly, with the hosts set to include Jimmy Carr, Rob Brydon and Jack Whitehall.
"The delicious thing is that the title feels familiar, but in the hands of the likes of Jimmy Carr, it'll have a modern approach", Bedell says.
Another series of Through The Keyhole (pictured) with Keith Lemon starts on ITV on Saturday 30th August.
Discussing how ITV is resurrecting a number of old formats, Bedell commented: "I'm unapologetic about bringing them back if we add something new. You could immediately see what Keyhole could become in the hands of Keith Lemon - something gloriously post-watershed."
The interview also revealed that ITV is working on a new entertainment show involving hypnotism, called You're Back In The Room. Bedell describes host Phillip Schofield as "achingly funny" in his new role.