Season 1 Plot
The initial selection criteria was based on vocals, choreography and charisma/personality. Let It Shine will be hosted by Graham Norton and Mel Giedroyc. There are three judges who will appear in every show: Gary Barlow, Dannii Minogue, and Martin Kemp. There is also a fourth guest judge position. For the first four audition shows Amber Riley will be the guest judge. There will be further announcements around the remaining guest judges for the rest of the series in due course.
Let It Shine Season 1 aired on January 7th, 2017.
Season 1 Episodes
1. The Auditions: The Stairway (1)
The hopefuls audition solo in front of the judging panel, made up of Gary Barlow, Dannii Minogue, Martin Kemp and Amber Riley, as well as the studio audience in Manchester. Graham Norton takes the hopefuls through the audition process in front of the judges, while Mel Giedroyc shares the fun and gossip from backstage.
2. The Auditions: The Stairway (2)
In this second episode, the hopefuls continue to audition solo in front of both the Manchester studio audience and the judging panel they need to impress: Gary Barlow, Dannii Minogue, Martin Kemp and Amber Riley. Their fate lies in the hands of the judges if they are to make it to the next stage of the competition. Presenters Graham Norton and Mel Giedroyc bring all the action, fun and gossip from the studio and backstage.
3. The Auditions: The Stairway (3)
In this third episode, the hopefuls continue to audition solo in front of both the Manchester studio audience and the judging panel they need to impress: Gary Barlow, Dannii Minogue, Martin Kemp and Amber Riley. Their fate lies in the hands of the judges if they are to make it to the next stage of the competition.
4. The Auditions: The Stairway (4)
This is the last chance for the hopefuls to audition solo in front of both the Manchester studio audience and the judging panel they need to impress: Gary Barlow, Dannii Minogue, Martin Kemp and Amber Riley.
5. The Group Stage: The Collaborations
The contestants are put into groups and perform with a big name in British music, and Lulu joins the judges to help decide who goes through to the live shows.
6. The Live Shows: The Battle of the Bands (1)
The remaining contestants have been put into five bands and must now perform live for the first time, with viewers able to vote for their favourites.
7. The Live Shows: The Battle of the Bands (1) The Results
The results of the viewer vote are revealed, and three of the bands are guaranteed a place in the next show. The two bottom bands must sing again, this time to impress the judges - but there is a twist. There is also a special guest performing on the Let It Shine stage.
8. The Live Shows: The Battle of the Bands (2)
The semi-final of the competition is opened with a joint performance by Take That and the remaining contestants, before the boys are tested on their dance skills.
9. The Live Shows: The Battle of the Bands (2) The Results
The results of the viewer vote are revealed. Two of the four bands are guaranteed a place in the final, while the two bottom bands must sing again.
10. Live Final
It is the final, and three bands are left in the competition. Each band has two chances to impress, performing one musical theatre song and one pop classic, before the viewers decide which band should win. There are also two surprise guest performances, and regular judges Gary Barlow, Dannii Minogue and Martin Kemp are joined by a special guest judge.