BBC One, Take That line up Voice replacement

UK broadcaster BBC One has revealed a Saturday night talent format that will replace ITV-bound series The Voice.

Let it Shine (WT) will feature the music of boy band Take That and see its singer Gary Barlow searching for individuals to form a new group. Presenters Graham Norton and Mel Giedroyc (The Great British Bake Off) will host, with three mentors helping to create the group.

The winners will perform Take That hits in a nationwide musical called The Band. Casting is currently underway.

The show will likely go up against The Voice, which the BBC had run since 2012 before commercial rival ITV stepped in to poach it, though the BBC would not confirm Let it Shine will take the Talpa Media format’s slots.

A spokesperson said: “It’s looking like the show will air next year, but the TX date hasn’t been confirmed yet and we will announce more details in due course.”

BBC Studios Entertainment Production is creating the eight-part show in association with Barlow and his fellow Take That members Mark Owen and Howard Donald.

BBC controller of TV channels and iPlayer Charlotte Moore commissioned the series alongside acting controller of BBC Entertainment Commissioning Alan Tyler and Rachel Ashdown, commissioning editor for BBC Entertainment.

“BBC One’s new Saturday night show will bring families together to celebrate Britain’s love of musical theatre, combining singing, performance and dance in a hotly contested search to find a new group,” said Moore.

“Masterminded by Gary Barlow, our sensational hosts Graham and Mel will guide viewers through eight weeks of unmissable competition, all to win a dream place in a new stage show.”

Guy Freeman, BBC Studios’ editor of formats and special events is overseeing production, with Andrew Cartmell executive producer.