ITV axe huge singing competition starring A-list judges after just two series
ITV called it quits after just two series with a huge singing competition featuring A-list judges
In a major shakeup, ITV has canceled the Starstruck talent show after just two series.
The music programme, featuring a celebrity judging panel, was originally lined up to return for another series in 2024, but plans have now been cancelled.
The star-studded judges, including Adam Lambert, Shania Twain, Beverley Knight and Jason Manford, have reportedly been told there will be no third series.
The show, a reboot of the classic program Stars in Their Eyes in which contestants impersonated famous singers, was led by singer Olly Murs.
Despite the fanfare, it has been completely ‘delisted’ according to reports due to declining ratings.
‘Delisted’: In a major shake-up, ITV has axed talent show Starstruck after just two series
Axed: The music programme, which boasted a celebrity jury, was originally lined up to return for another series in 2024, but plans have now been canceled
A source told the Daily Star newspaper: “There were plans to shoot a new series this fall and air it in 2024, but those have now been scrapped.
“The top bosses want to try another show and see how it goes.
“Starstruck was popular, but not as big as shows like Britain’s Got Talent and The Masked Singer, so it was always at risk of being sidelined for something else.”
However, there is a possibility that ITV could bring back the format of the music competition in 2025.
2023 Starstruck winner, teacher Abbie Edwards won the £50,000 cash prize after being named the winning Adele impersonator.
She defeated fellow hopefuls who performed in the finals as Sam Smith, Meat Loaf, Ed Sheeran, Beyoncé, Frank Sinatra and Sam Cooke.
After she won the grand prize, Abbie said, I can’t even put it into words. Watching my little girl look at her mother. Thank you to everyone who voted for me.’
The show first hit ITV screens in February 2022 and saw Rachael Hawnt, a Cher impersonator, win the first series.
A-list: The star-studded judges, including Adam Lambert, Shania Twain, Beverley Knight and Jason Manford, have reportedly been told there will be no third series
Host: Led by singer Olly Murs, the music competition has been completely ‘dropped’ due to ratings and the ‘top ITV bosses wanting to try another show’
Presenter Olly previously told how much he enjoyed working on Starstruck.
He told Closer magazine: ‘It’s cheerful, feel-good Saturday night television. This format works for me because I love music.’
“I like performing in front of people and I like to entertain. If the right show comes along, I’ll do it.
“I’m trying to juggle a lot of things right now, but hosting is definitely something I’d like to do more of.”