Starstruck judge Jason Manford has fired back after the acts were accused of ‘miming’ during Saturday’s debut episode (February 12).
Hosted by Olly Murs, the new series sees each contestant undergo a dramatic transformation before taking to the stage as their musical icon.
Starstruck judge Jason Manford makes his debut
During episode one, host Olly welcomed the first four teams of super-fans as they went head-to-head.
Each team underwent a massive makeover before stepping onto the stage to sing an iconic hit.
The contestants were then judged by the star-studded panel.
Read more: Starstruck on ITV branded ‘Poundland Stars In Their Eyes’ by viewers
The panel includes Jason, Sheridan Smith, Adam Lambert and musical theatre star Beverley Knight.
Last night, viewers watched on as the contestants paid tribute to Freddie Mercury, Ariana Grande, Marvin Gaye and Lady Gaga.
And they certainly impressed!
How did ITV fans respond?
In fact, some viewers were convinced that the contestants were miming.
Many took to Twitter to speculate over the performances.
One said: “Watched #Starstruck tonight and really enjoyed it. Wondered if the final song by the Freddie guys were miming. Seemed very much like it to me. If that’s the case, I won’t be bothering again @adamlambert @Sheridansmith1 @JasonManford.”
I’m convinced some of the acts were miming
Another added: “What is the story with #Starstruck @JasonManford – are they miming? Really?”
A third wrote: “Watching #Starstruck and I’m convinced some of the acts were miming to a backing track.”
A fourth shared: “Looked like they was miming to me #Starstruck.”
Another posted: “Why are all the sound levels off for #Starstruck…”
Looked like they was miming to me #Starstruck
— tomo (@tomoFoot) February 12, 2022
https://twitter.com/GeBirch/status/1492617195335073802
What is the story with #Starstruck @JasonManford – are they miming? Really? pic.twitter.com/Hhia3LmL7p
— Emma McCourt (@EmmaKieran__) February 12, 2022
Watched #Starstruck tonight and really enjoyed it. Wondered if the final song by the FM guys were miming. Seemed very much like it to me. If that's the case, I won't be bothering again @adamlambert @Sheridansmith1 @JasonManford
— Trish (@Trish_F_Glasgow) February 13, 2022
watching #Starstruck and I'm convinced some of the acts were miming to a backing track.
— darren amos (@spinoutdaz) February 13, 2022
#Starstruck I wonder if these singers are miming to their own recorded sounds because it all sounds just to too pure for a live performance 🤔
— Oli from Reading 🦁 (@OliReading) February 12, 2022
I loved watching #Starstruck especially with the amazing @adamlambert as a judge. Can't go wrong with the greatest talent judging other talented performers. Perfect mixture of entertainment. #AdamLambert rules.
— Louise Sweeney (@Louisestelle) February 13, 2022
Well I loved #Starstruck on ITV, good old family entertainment 🤩 and I thought it was a perfect judging panel and presenter! Loved it
— Emma (@Emmajonez81) February 13, 2022
In addition, a fifth added: “#Starstruck I wonder if these singers are miming to their own recorded sounds because it all sounds just to too pure for a live performance.”
A sixth posted: “The Freddie’s are miming. Surely??? #StarStruck.”
The comments didn’t go unnoticed by judge Jason.
Jason Manford fires back at ‘miming’ claims
Addressing the claims on Twitter, he wrote: “Not one person on that show mimed. What would be the point?
“How would it be fair? People sing live on this, Masked Singer, BGT all of them.”
A spokesperson for ITV also said: “The singers all sang live. ”
Not one person on that show mimed. What would be the point? How would it be fair? People sing live on this, Masked Singer, BGT all of them. https://t.co/Sn86W1LU83
— Jason Manford (@JasonManford) February 13, 2022
Despite some criticism, other viewers appeared to love the new series.
Praising the show, one said: “I loved #Starstruck last night! It was so so good. Brilliant host and judging panel to match!”
Read more: As Sheridan Smith wows in The Teacher, her best TV roles ranked
A second tweeted: “Well I loved #Starstruck on ITV, good old family entertainment and I thought it was a perfect judging panel and presenter! Loved it.”
A third posted: “I loved watching #Starstruck especially with the amazing @adamlambert as a judge. Can’t go wrong with the greatest talent judging other talented performers. Perfect mixture of entertainment.”
Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think of this story.