Walk The Line judging panel CONFIRMED! Alesha Dixon, Dawn French and Craig David join line-up alongside Gary Barlow – after show creator Simon Cowell stepped down
Alesha Dixon, Gary Barlow, Dawn French, and Craig David have been announced as the judging panel for ITV’s new musical game show, Walk The Line, which presents an opportunity for music acts to win a life-changing sum of money.
Alesha, 43, Dawn, 64, Gary, 50, and Craig, 40, will head into the studio together for the first time this month to film the show – hosted by Maya Jama and created by Simon Cowell – which will debut later this year.
It was revealed last month that 62-year-old Simon stepped down from the six-part series’ judging panel in order to spend more time with his partner Lauren Silverman and their seven-year-old son Eric.
Exciting: Alesha Dixon, Dawn French, Gary Barlow, and Craig David have been announced as the judging panel for ITV’s new musical game show, Walk The Line
In the studio: Gary, 50, Alesha, 43, Dawn, 64, and Craig, 40, will head into the studio together for the first time this month to film for the show – hosted by Maya Jama
The show was set to represent Simon’s return to primetime TV judging after the plug was pulled on The X Factor earlier this year – but the star has confirmed his role will be limited to behind the camera.
Despite not appearing onscreen – a contrast to what UK and US audiences have become accustomed to over the past two decades – Simon will take on the role of executive producer.
The entrepreneur explained to The Sun: ‘This is a situation where I have decided it is right for me to focus on my role as the Creator and Producer as we build up to the hugely exciting launch.’
Meanwhile, of her upcoming gig, Alesha gushed: ‘When Simon first told me about the format, I couldn’t wait to see it come to life.
Innovative: Craig said of the show: ‘Walk The Line is innovative, new and edgy which is why I’m so excited to be working on this show!’
Stepping down: It was revealed last month that 62-year-old Simon Cowell had himself stepped down from the six-part series’ judging panel
‘Now to add being a part of it alongside Gary, Craig, Dawn and Maya is very exciting.’
Speaking in an ITV press release, she went on: ‘Walk The Line has all the components to make great TV, it’s always a joy to find new talent, let the games begin!’
Dawn added: ‘I’m far too excited to be part of this show – I’ve decided to wear double knickers at all times.’
Of his involvement, Craig said: ‘Walk The Line is innovative, new and edgy which is why I’m so excited to be working on this show!
‘I’m really vibed by the quality of the contestants I’ve seen so far and love that they have the chance to bet on themselves every step of the way.’
Maya said: ‘This has been a childhood dream. I remember watching shows created by Simon when I was younger, and to be given the opportunity to host one myself is a pinch me moment’
He concluded: ‘Can’t wait to get started and see who’s gonna take the money or take a leap of faith and walk the line.’
Hailing the gig as a ‘childhood dream’, Maya said: ‘This has been a childhood dream of mine. I remember watching shows created by Simon when I was younger, and to be given the opportunity to host one myself… it has definitely been a pinch me moment.’
She continued: ‘I’ve been itching to tell everyone about it – expect some first class entertainment and truly incredible singing talent.
‘Walk The Line has been unlike anything I’ve worked on before and I hope everyone has as much fun watching it as we are making it.’
Meanwhile, Gary previously commented: ‘When Simon calls it’s usually with something fairly extraordinary. I’m so excited to be involved in a brand new TV show, and of course my favourite part of Walk the Line is discovering new talent.
‘It’s also brilliant to be working with the team at ITV again.’
Gary and Simon previously worked together on the UK version of the X Factor.
Walk The Line will see a music act win £500,000 by taking to the stage to perform for the nation.
The contestants will need nerves of steel as they determine whether to cash out or physically Walk The Line and risk it all to stay in the competition.
Walk The Line will air on ITV and ITV Hub later in the year.
Co-workers: Gary and Simon previously worked together on the UK version of the X Factor
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