UK Reality Show ‘Starstruck’ featuring Adam Lambert, Olly Murs, reportedly canceled by ITV
According to recent reports, UK broadcaster ITV has decided not to proceed with a third series of the talent impersonation show Starstruck after two seasons. The decision is said to be part of a wider programming reshuffle at the network.
A source told the Express that planned filming for a new series this autumn, with an intended 2024 airdate, has been scrapped. While Starstruck proved popular with viewers and built a consistent audience on ITV1 and ITVX, the source said the format was not on the same scale as some of the network’s flagship entertainment programs and therefore vulnerable amid scheduling changes.
ITV has confirmed that it has not yet formally commissioned a third series. In a statement the broadcaster described Starstruck as “a successful new entertainment format for ITV1 and ITVX” and noted that it has “consistently held its slot in our schedules.” ITV also said it remains in regular discussions with the show’s producers, Remarkable, but added that no confirmation about a third series has been made.
Although ‘Starstruck’ is not returning in 2024, it could come back in 2025
Despite the cancellation reports, the same source suggested Starstruck may not be permanently off the table and could return in 2025. For now, production and broadcast plans for next year have reportedly been put on hold, leaving the series in an uncertain position.
Starstruck’s format centered on celebrity impersonation. Contestants auditioned and competed by imitating iconic singers, and a panel of judges helped narrow the field down to finalists who then faced off for the show’s top prize of £50,000. The format’s mix of nostalgic performances and competitive judging offered a distinctive take on music entertainment within the crowded UK reality TV landscape.
The programme’s lineup included high-profile performers on the judging panel: American Idol alum and Queen frontman Adam Lambert, acclaimed soul singer Beverley Knight, country superstar Shania Twain, and comedian and presenter Jason Manford. Hosting duties were handled by former The X Factor contestant and pop star Olly Murs. Reports indicate the cast have been informed that the show will not be airing in 2024.
Across its two seasons, Starstruck crowned memorable winners who impressed both the judges and audiences. In the first series, Rachael Hawnt, performing as Cher, took the top prize. For the second series, which began in February 2023, Abbie Edwards won after a run of performances in which she impersonated Adele. Series two also featured a change to the judging panel, with Shania Twain replacing Sheridan Smith for that season.
While the production team and ITV have emphasized that discussions continue, the pause in scheduling means that viewers will not see a new season in 2024 if the current reports are accurate. Industry reshuffles and shifting priorities at broadcasters can often lead to successful shows being delayed or temporarily shelved while executives assess the wider slate of programming.
Cast members have largely stayed quiet publicly about the show’s future. However, earlier this year Olly Murs posted a message on social media that had the tone of a sign-off. He wrote on Twitter: “WELL DONE TO OUR STARSTRUCK CHAMP ABBIE. Incredible final last night well done! Thanks to you all for watching, I’ve had the best time working on this show again, the judges were awesome as ever plus the amazing team behind it all putting it together!”
For fans of Starstruck, the possibility of a 2025 return leaves some hope that the format could be revived after the network completes its scheduling review. For now, viewers and industry observers await an official commissioning decision from ITV and further updates from the show’s producers. Until that time, Starstruck’s status will remain classified as unconfirmed for 2024, with the potential for a later comeback still under discussion.