The magnificent SEVEN!

JASON MANFORD gives TV Times his take on the Starstruck finalists

- VICTORIA WILSON

STARSTRUCK
FINAL SATURDAY, 8.30PM, ITV1 ENTERTAINMENT

After seven weeks of star-spangled performances that have seen superfans transformed into their music icons, the stage is set this week for a glittering grand finale of ITV1’s singing spectacular Starstruck. And judge Jason Manford promises we’re in for a treat!

‘I love that Starstruck is just good, old-fashioned Saturday-night entertainment,’ says Jason, 41, who sits on the panel alongside Adam Lambert, Beverley Knight and Shania Twain. ‘TV has become about creating reality “stars”, but I enjoy going back to a time where it’s OK to appear on telly for one night as your idol, then go back to your normal life.

‘Yes, there’s a £50,000 prize, but all the finalists feel that just being on the show is the prize. It’s going to be one amazing gig!’

Here, in an exclusive interview with TV Times, Jason gives us his verdict on the seven magnificent contenders hoping to be crowned champion…

LISANSE CHANGWE AS SAM COOKE 
'Lisanse gave a beautiful performance as Sam Cooke and deserves to be in the final. It's nice to see someone as iconic as Sam Cooke in the line-up; a singer who isn't forgotten but who some young people won't have heard of. It may inspire people to go back through the archives and listen to the "king of soul". Lisanse totally does him justice.'