Pop star Dannii Minogue will join Gary Barlow as a judge on new BBC One show Let It Shine, which will also feature former Great British Bake Off presenter Mel Giedroyc.
Australian singer and former X Factor judge Dannii will help create a band who will star in an upcoming musical featuring the songs of Gary’s band Take That.
Mel was previously announced as a co-host of Let It Shine alongside Graham Norton.
The TV star quit Bake Off on Tuesday alongside her presenting partner Sue Perkins after news broke that the show was leaving the BBC.
The broadcaster will be hoping for a ratings hit with Let It Shine after losing The Voice to ITV and Bake Off to Channel 4.
Also helping to judge the Saturday night entertainment show will be Spandau Ballet bassist Martin Kemp and Glee star Amber Riley.
Dannii, who was a judge on The X Factor but left the show after the 2010 series, said: “I’m so excited to be returning to the UK and joining the judging panel of Let It Shine.
“To be a performer you must have a burning desire to perform, then you train at all the skills you need to shine. This show gives everyone that chance. I can’t wait!”
Over eight weeks of competition, the judges will be looking for a band with “charisma, showmanship and stage presence”.
Musical theatre star Amber, who played Mercedes Jones in Glee and will soon star in Dreamgirls in the West End, is set to join the first stage of the competition to give her expert opinion.
The US singer and actress said she was looking for more than big voices and big personalities.
She explained: “I am so excited to see what the UK talent has to offer and share some of my experience on the stage to help them reach their full potential.
“I’m not just looking for the biggest voices or the biggest personalities, but those who have what it takes to make it on TV and on stage.”
Martin, stepping in as a permanent judge, will be on the hunt for “charisma” as he brings 45 years of experience in music, television and film to the show.
“It’s a chance to find not just the most talented, but also those who have that something extra special called charisma, that literally will ‘shine’ from the stage,” he said.
“I won’t just be judging, but trying to give a constructive thought that will help them towards winning that incredible final prize.”
Gary said: “Dannii, Martin and Amber all bring so much to this panel with the breadth of experience in music, acting, stage and TV. I can’t wait to get started – it’s going to be epic!”
