US format Little Big Shots comes to ITV

Dawn French is to host an ITV show highlighting talented children.

Little Big Shots is a US format which takes away the  competition element of programmes such as Britain’s Got Talent to give three to 13-year olds the chance to shine.

French said: ‘Rarely have I relished the thought of doing a show as much as this. I love, love, love everything about it, especially the fact that I will get to witness the amazing talents of these remarkable little humans up close. It's going to be a privilege.’

The centrepiece of the programme is an enormous revolving stage.  On one side is a sofa for Dawn and the children to get to know each other; and on the other is the performance space. Talents highlighted will range from black belt karate to classical music to skateboarding and spelling bees. 

Peter Davey, head of comedy entertainment for ITV said: ‘Dawn’s hugely infectious humour, warmth and affability make her the perfect host for Little Big Shots.  Add to the mix these incredibly talented and entertaining kids and you have some potentially great TV.’

Leanne Klein, chief executive at programme-makers Wall to Wall added: ‘I cannot think of a better host for this amazing show. Dawn, combined with some of the funniest and most talented kids in the world, will make for a truly unmissable series.  We are so excited to get started.’

The US version of the series has been broadcaster NBC’s most watched series of 2016 so far, debuting with 11.9 million viewers.

Published: 25 Aug 2016