Ricki Lake is joining 'Let It Shine' as a guest judge for the first live show of the series.
Ricki Lake
The 48-year-old chat show legend will join Gary Barlow, Danni Minogue and Martin Kemp on the BBC One talent show on Saturday (11.01.17) as they pick between five boy bands to compete in the final.
Speaking about her new gig, the 'Hairspray Live' star said: "I am super excited to be a guest judge on 'Let It Shine'. I love musicals and this is a fantastic show.
"I was only 18 when I won the role of the original Tracy Turnblad in 'Hairspray' so I can't wait to share some of my own experiences with the boys.
"It's truly a pleasure and I am excited to see the bands perform live for the first time.
"And not to mention, I am thrilled to be back in the UK."
Next week (February 4) sees 'Glee' star Amber Riley replaced with British pop star Lulu and the Take That wannabes will be seen collaborating with the best of British talent in the form of Kaiser Chiefs, Mel C, Busted, Olly Murs and Beverly Knight.
More guest judges are to be announced in due course.
Meanwhile, head honcho Gary Barlow recently said he is hoping his talent show gets commissioned for another series.
The 45-year-old singer-songwriter wants bosses at the BBC to give him the go-ahead to create another installment later this year because he wants to search for the next successful girl group.
He previously told BANG Showbiz, he said: "I've been thinking at this point, touch wood, I hope we get a stage two, and what that device may be I don't know, but it will definitely be focused around bands again.
"The underlining message for this show is teenagers can live a very solidarity life with their games and their phones and I think what this show, it's teaching people to work as a team, I would love to do something again with bands in the future."
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