Stars In Their Eyes to ‘RETURN to TV screens with revamped celebrity judging panel after Simon Cowell rests X Factor for a year’
Stars In Their Eyes will reportedly return to TV screens this year, after Simon Cowell announced he was resting the X Factor for 2020.
ITV are said to be hoping the popular nineties talent show- which saw the public impersonate showbiz stars- will provide a ratings battle with Strictly Come Dancing.
The revived programmewas axed in 2006 due to low ratings but bosses reportedly think an all new celebrity judging panel will bring it back to life, according to The Sun.
Revamp: Stars In Their Eyes will reportedly return to TV screens this year, after Simon Cowell announced he was resting the X Factor for 2020
A TV insider told the publication: ‘This show is a huge deal for ITV — it’s their offering to take on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in the ratings this autumn.
‘There was a huge gap to fill after they found out The X Factor wouldn’t be back and this series seems like the perfect solution.
‘It’s a new take on Stars In Their Eyes. Members of the public will get dolled up and sing their idols’ songs on stage, just like the old format.’
Rest: X Factor was hit by its lowest ever ratings when the Celebrity series aired its first live show last year and Simon decided to rest the show for a year to rethink the format
ITV declined to comment when contacted by MailOnline.
Stars In Their Eyes remains one of Britain’s most successful shows of all time, attracting around 13 million viewers for the live grand final at the end of each series.
The show has one of the most memorable catchphrases in TV history: ‘Tonight Matthew, I’m going to be…’
Exciting: ITV are said to be hoping the popular nineties talent series, which saw the public impersonate showbiz stars, will provide a ratings battle with Strictly Come Dancing
Stars In Their Eyes: The singing contest involved members of the public impersonate celebrities (pictured contestant as Cher)
The show premiered on 21 July 1990 and ran until 23 December 2006.
It was originally presented by Leslie Crowther but Matthew Kelly, now 69, took over in May 1993, before he was replaced by Cat Deeley in 2004.
An Elvis Presley special hosted by Russ Abbot aired in January 1993, as well as 2003 specials hosted by Davina McCall.
X Factor was hit by its lowest ever ratings when the Celebrity series aired its first live show last year and Simon decided to rest the show for a year to rethink the format.
The ITV series recorded just 2.96 million viewers at one point, and by the last 15 minutes of the Celebrity special, just 2.99 million viewers were left.
Even with a 3.73 million peak, the ratings paled in comparison to the average viewing figures of 14.13 million that the show pulled in at its prime in 2010.
Revamp: ITV are said to be hoping the popular nineties talent series will provide a ratings battle with Strictly Come Dancing