Thursday, June 11, 2026

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Dannii Minogue, Martin Kemp and Amber Riley join Let It Shine

Dannii Minogue, Martin Kemp and Amber Riley have joined Gary Barlow’s ‘Let It Shine’.
The 44-year-old pop beauty will be a mentor on the new talent show – which will search for performers to be cast in a Take That musical – alongside the ‘Back For Good’ frontman, Spandau Ballet singer and former ‘Glee’ star.
Of the judging panel, 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!"
Dannii – who was a judge on rival show ‘The X Factor UK’ until 2010 – is thrilled to be joining the panel and thinks the new format will give performers all the experience they need to "shine".
She 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."
Meanwhile, Amber – who is best known for portraying Mercedes Jones in ‘Glee’ – will play an important part in the three stage competition by offering her advice to the hopefuls.
Talking about how her time on the show makes her ideal for the job, she said: "One of the unique things about ‘Glee’ was the covers of popular songs.
"They became the soundtrack to people’s lives, as well as the characters on the show.
"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, 54, is hoping to find fresh talent with "charisma" and has vowed to offer "constructive" criticism.
He added: "I’m so thrilled to be a part of the BBC’s ‘Let It Shine’ and taking on a role where I will be able to pass on a little of my 45 years’ worth of experience, in music, television and film, to young people just starting out on their journey.
"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. I won’t just be judging, but trying to give a constructive thought that will help them towards winning that incredible final prize!"
The trio join previously announced hosts Graham Norton and Mel Giedroyc.
‘Let It Shine’ aims to recreate the magic Take That had when it was originally comprised of Gary, Robbie Williams, Howard Donald, Mark Owen and Jason Orange.

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Paul McCartney has ‘fun’ breaking the rules of songwriting

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