Comic to judge musicians on Walk The Line

Dawn French is to be one of the judges on  Simon Cowell’s latest musical talent show, Walk The Line.

She joins  Britain’s Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon, Take That’s Gary Barlow and music star Craig David on the ITV show when it starts filming later this month.

French said: ‘I’m far too excited to be part of this show, – I’ve decided to wear double knickers at all times.’

The format involves the contestants – soloists, duos or bands -   deciding whether to cash out or try to stay to the end to win the £500,00 jackpot.

The show will be hosted by Maya Jama, who said: ‘This has been a childhood dream of mine.  I remember watching shows created by Simon when I was younger, and to be given the opportunity to host one myself… it has definitely been a pinch me moment.

‘I’ve been itching to tell everyone about it – expect some first class entertainment and truly incredible singing talent. Walk The Line has been unlike anything I’ve worked on before and I hope everyone has as much fun watching it as we are making it.’

Walk The Line is due to air later this year, and is produced by Cowell’s company Syco Entertainment, alongside ITV-owned Lifted Entertainment. 

Katie Rawcliffe, ITV’s head of entertainment commissioning said: ‘Gary, Alesha, Dawn and Craig are icons in their fields and together bring a wealth of expertise, credibility and star power to the show. Our Walk The Line acts couldn’t ask for a better line up of stars to perform for.’

Although known for her comedy, French has had a No3 pop hit. With  Jennifer Saunders, and Kathy Burke they formed Lananeeneenoonoo and, along with Bananarama,  recorded a version of the Beatles hit Help! for Comic Relief in 1989. It remained in the chart for nine weeks.

Published: 14 Nov 2021