How does it feel to be hosting Starstruck?
It feels amazing – I’m absolutely loving it. I always wanted to do something new and find something that matches my personality, something where I can be me and cheeky. I wanted it to be something light hearted and entertaining. I think that’s where Starstruck ticks all of the boxes. It was a match made in heaven in terms of what I wanted to do. It’s just a fun show to be a part of and everyone on it is great to work with.
How has it been filming Starstruck? Are you enjoying it?
Yes, I’m absolutely loving it. I think people don’t realise, all the best hosts make it look easy. When you try and step into their shoes, there’s a lot to try and remember. What camera to look at, what to say on the script. I have an ear piece which links to the gallery and there can be three or four different voices. There’s so much going on but it’s something that I really wanted to do. I’m really enjoying the show, the contestants and the judges are great. It’s a whole new format, with me hosting and four judges who have never worked together before. So, it’s like everyone’s new, everyone’s fresh which I think is great for viewers.
What can viewers expect from the series?
Three times the fun and three times the madness! If your favourite artist in the world is Lionel Richie, you’ll get to see three performances. If it’s Lady Gaga, Freddie Mercury, or even me, you’ll get three performances. There will be comparisons to Stars In Their Eyes, which is a compliment because it was such a successful format but the difference with this show is you’re getting four teams of three all performing as their favourite icon. That’s a lot of icons in each show! It’s just really fun.You’re getting some of the best loved songs from the biggest idols in the world and there’s something really special about it.
Can you tell us more about the format? How does it work?
Each show there are four teams of three. Each team works together to perform as their icon. So, we could have Team Freddie Mercury, Team Lady Gaga, Team Ed Sheeran and Team Billie Eilish. Each team will sing one song as their icon, with each team member singing their own section of the song and it’s their moment to shine. It’s then up to the judges to decide on the night which team stood out for them, which group not only transformed into that artist but sounded like them, had they’re mannerisms and really embodied that legend.
When you see it on stage for the first time, it’s incredible. I’m sitting and watching it at the side of the stage and in the same way the viewers will be and I was thinking ‘But he looks like the person, but the one in the middle dances more like them and then the one on the end is the full package!’ You could have three Lady Gagas on stage in all different outfits from different parts of her career. What I particularly love about this show is the modernisation of it. The format’s modern but also the icons are modern it’s not just all the old classics, you’ve also got new artists like Ed Sheeran and Billie Eilish that are out right now having hits and success. I think it’s really good that there’s a nice balance between the old and the new.
Tell us about the panel of judges. How are they getting along?
I think what’s been really nice is to see that develop and what I expected was exactly what I thought would happen. Jason is the comedian and he can sing as well, he’s been in theatre plays, he knows how to sing and perform, he’s great at the one liners and the dad jokes! Beverley who we know has such an incredible voice, so Beverley is very technical on the vocals, making sure that they really sound and sing as good as that artist. Sheridan who is very down to earth, she’s a real people person, she cares about what the contestants have done and how much they’ve put in. She’s also looking at how they get into character because she’s an actress – that is a real key element. Adam Lambert, he’s a bit of everything. He works with Queen, he’s on stage with Queen not as Freddie Mercury as himself but he knows what it’s like to be in those shoes and be on stage. When you go to a Queen concert you’re thinking can this guy hit those Freddie Mercury notes? Is he as good? Can he bring the same energy? He’s a great frontman! He’s got great charisma, he’s got a good personality. I think the dynamic has worked really well.
If you could transform yourself into another music icon, who would it be and why?
Tom Jones. I’ve been working with him for the last few years and I feel like I know him well enough to be him. I might need a bit more work on the Welsh accent!
Have you picked up any of his mannerisms?
A little bit. I need to get the accent down and I need to somehow get my hair a little bit curlier. I think if I could master that then I’ve got Tom down.
Can you give us any teases about the transformations?
Expect the unexpected. They all look like the legends but there are some that are great and some that are mind blowing and some of the best ones that I’ve seen. It’s just incredible.
Do you agree with the panel’s decisions?
Every decision they’ve made I’ve been in agreement. I think they’ve made the right decision every time so far!
What advice would you give to the contestants taking part in Starstruck?
My advice is to go out there and enjoy it, make sure you rehearse really hard, come out and enjoy it, just have some fun. That’s what it’s all about. I’ve got to say all of them have been impressive and not one of them has shown any nerves. They are all great performers and they love it. I think what I’ve found amazing is some of these people are stay at home husbands, a telecoms supervisor or a mechanic and this isn’t their day to day job but once they get into that character, they transform into that person. You can’t come onto Starstruck and say you’re going to be Justin Timberlake and be nervous, you have to embody that person and I think the one thing I’ve noticed is that everyone has come out and given it everything. You get two chances to win the £50,000 so you may as well give it a go – who knows you might just win it. I think all the contestants are really enjoying getting up on stage and singing, performing in front of millions of people and just having fun. They are really excited about being that person that they idolise.
Have you ever been Starstruck?
Yes, I met Whitney Houston once and performed for her in 2009. I always remember walking into a room and seeing her and having to sing in front of her. Even now I wish I could go back and do it again and really appreciate what I actually did that day. Not everyone gets the chance to sing in front of Whitney Houston – it was pretty awesome.
How would you feel if there was a trio of Olly Murs’ on the show?
I would be utterly flattered by it. If it happens I would be honoured that there were three people that wanted to be me. And if there were I’d be saying ‘Don’t do it too good, fellas. Be good but don’t be too good! You’re coming after my job.’
