THE SWEETEST SING - ‘TO GIVE JOY IS A WONDERFUL THING – I'M HAVING A BALL!'

BEVERLEY KNIGHT ON MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE ON SINGING CONTEST STARSTRUCK AND BEING BACK ON STAGE IN THE WEST END

- RHONA MERCER

When musical contest Starstruck hit our screens earlier this month it borrowed an idea from The Voice, kicking off with a judges’ group singalong. It gave us the stunning sight of Beverley Knight strutting onto the stage in a killer dress, every inch the soul diva.

But to hear the singer – who was born Beverley Anne Smith in Wolverhampton – talk about ITV’s latest Saturday-night spectacular, it’s clear she’s loved enjoying other people’s talents as well as sharing her own.

Despite being hugely successful, having been honoured with an MBE, releasing eight albums and gaining platinum sales, the star still has her feet firmly on the ground, understanding how the show’s £50,000 prize could be life-changing for the winner.

It’s amazing that Beverley, 48, found a space in her diary to work on the Stars In Their Eyes-style show, hosted by Olly Murs. She is currently performing in The Drifters Girl in the West End – a project that was announced in 2019, then shelved when the pandemic hit.

As well as recording and stage work, Beverley’s been involved in a host of different charities and had a successful stint as a radio presenter. She’s also scooped three MOBO awards and had the honour of supporting her all-time musical hero, Prince, during his residency at London’s O2 arena in 2007.

On Starstruck, Beverley is joined on the judging panel by Queen frontman Adam Lambert, and actress Sheridan Smith and comic Jason Manford, who both have musical theatre pedigrees. And as OK! catches up with her to talk about the ITV show, Beverley positively radiates happiness, saying “I’m having a ball”…