Zoe Ball To Host Soapstar Superstar 2007

Richard Fleeshman was your Soapstar Superstar for 2006 – but who will win the viewers vote to take the accolade in the new series of the hit event? Zoe Ball hosts the new series of Soapstar Superstar that will see some of the UK’s favourite soap stars take to the stage and go head-to-head to become a singing superstar.

Facing the ultimate sing-off are: Gemma Atkinson (Lisa Hunter, Hollyoaks In The City); Antony Cotton (Sean Tully, Coronation Street); Jane Danson (Leanne Battersby, Coronation Street); Tupele Dorgu (Kelly Crabtree, Coronation Street); Alan Fletcher (Dr. Karl Kennedy, Neighbours); Mark Furze (Eric ‘Ric’ Dalby, Home and Away); Elaine Lordan (Lynne Hobbs, Eastenders); Verity Rushworth (Donna Windsor-Dingle, Emmerdale); Hayley Tamaddon (Delilah Dingle, Emmerdale); Matthew Wolfenden (David Metcalfe, Emmerdale)

Singing live in the studio nightly, familiar faces from some of the most watched TV programmes in the world, will battle against each other and in some cases co-stars, to win a place through to the next night.

And the plot thickens as it will be the viewers who have the ultimate control – not only do they vote to save their favourite soap star they also get to choose the songs they will be singing.

With commentary from the panel of expert judges and a rehearsal schedule that sees each artist learning their selected song in just 24 hours, the drama won’t just be confined to the stage.

Presenter Zoe Ball said: “As a huge soap fan – I have watched Coronation Street since I was a little girl and I watched it with my Nan – I was a huge fan of Soapstar Superstar last year.

“I nearly wet my pants when I was asked to host it this time. I can’t wait to get all the inside gossip at the show and see who’s the prima donna, who’s the saucy one, who’s the trouble- causer.

“Of course I won’t be showing any bias, although as I’ve already mentioned I am a huge Coronation Street fan!

“I am very excited about the show – the only thing you won’t catch me doing is singing – because I have the worst singing voice ever!”

Executive Producer Rachel Ashdown said: “This year we have some singers in the competition who have never sung on television before so there are sure to be some great surprises.

“You might think you know the soap stars from what you see in your favourite soaps but you will be blown away by just how talented this bunch is.

“This is the show were the viewers really are in control and ultimately they will pick their winner.

“I think the soap stars are really excited, but with the show going live on January 5th they better not be doing too much shouting at New Year's Eve!

“There aren't many shows as ambitious as this on television but we had a brilliant team who made it last year and have come back for more this time.”

Soapstar Superstar will be shown on ITV1, Friday 5th January 2007, 9:00 PM to 10:30 PM.