Cilla Black is returning to ITV1, three years after she sensationally quit Blind Date live on air, as a judge on new celebrity talent show Soapstar Superstar.
In the show, which launches early next year, Black will be judging the singing ability of current and former soap stars, including EastEnders' Michael Greco and Nicholas Bailey, and Coronation Street's Richard Fleeshman, Shobna Gulati, Wendi Peters and Andy Whyment.
Black quit Blind Date after 19 series in January 2003, announcing her decision to viewers on air during the show's first ever live edition.
"Taking part in Soapstar Superstar will be lots of fun, not least because I'm a huge soap fan but because I hope I can understand a little of what the performers are going through and guide and advise as best I can," she said.
The other soap actors taking part in the show are Hollyoaks' Bombhead, Lee Otway; and Roxanne Pallett, Sammy Winward and Lucy Pargeter from Emmerdale.
In each episode of Soapstar Superstar the contestants will have to showcase their musical talents live in the studio, competing for a cash prize to go to a charity of their choice. Viewers will get to vote for their favourite performance each night.
Soapstar Superstar was commissioned by the ITV controller of entertainment, Claudia Rosencrantz, and is to be made by ITV Productions at the Granada studios in Manchester.
The show will be produced by Glen Middleham, with Rachel Ashdown executive producing.
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