Starstruck

'Starstruck' was a primetime ITV entertainment series in which ordinary people with extraordinary voices transform into their musical idols, taking to the stage as part of tribute “supergroups” to perform iconic songs in front of a live audience and a panel of celebrity judges. Blending talent competition with feel-good storytelling, the show celebrates fans who have long dreamed of performing like their favourite artists — giving them the chance to undergo a full-scale makeover, step into the spotlight and compete for a cash prize.

Starstruck was produced by Remarkable Entertainment (Banijay UK), and aired on ITV1 as well as ITVX, with international sales via ITV Studios that made the format available internationally. The first episode had 4.7 million consolidated viewers, making it one of the biggest new entertainment commissions of 2022.

As a Casting Researcher, I played a central role in discovering the everyday people who would become the heart of the series. ITV were looking for genuine fans — people with real jobs and real lives who also happened to sound remarkably like the superstar they admired — and it was my responsibility to find them. I conducted outreach, auditions, and helped select contributors who not only had the vocal ability but also compelling personal stories. I then travelled on location across the UK to film VTs with successful applicants, capturing their lives, passions and journeys leading up to performance.

During studio weeks, I also worked as a Welfare Researcher, supporting contestants behind the scenes, ensuring they felt comfortable, supported and confident throughout the process.

One standout highlight for me was casting 'Holly Bannis', who was working in an office at the time and went on to become one of the UK’s leading Tina Turner tribute performers — now selling out major venues including the Royal Albert Hall and Leeds Arena. My work on Starstruck helped bring authentic, passionate performers to screen and contributed to the show’s uplifting, celebratory tone.