Syco and Lifted announce judging panel for ITV's "Walk The Line"

Syco Entertainment and Lifted Entertainment unveiled three new juding panel additions for its music show "Walk The Line."  Music icon Gary Barlow, award winning performer Alesha Dixon, comedy legend Dawn French, and chart superstar Craig David have been officially announced as the stellar new judging panel for new ITV musical game show, "Walk The Line." “Walk The Line is innovative, new and edgy which is why I’m so excited to be working on this show,"  David said. "I’m really vibed by the quality of the contestants I’ve seen so far and love that they have the chance to bet on themselves every step of the way. Can’t wait to get started and see who’s gonna take the money or take a leap of faith and walk the line.”

The four panellists will head into the studio together for the first time this month, with the high octane show - created by Simon Cowell and produced by his Syco Entertainment and Lifted Entertainment (part of ITV Studios) - debuting on ITV and ITV Hub later this year. “When Simon first told me about the format, I couldn’t wait to see it come to life," Alesha Dixon said. "Now to add being a part of it alongside Gary, Craig, Dawn and Maya is very exciting. Walk The Line has all the components to make great TV, it’s always a joy to find new talent, let the games begin!”

“When Simon calls it’s usually with something fairly extraordinary," Barlow said. "I’m so excited to be involved in a brand new TV show, and of course my favourite part of Walk the Line is discovering new talent. It’s also brilliant to be working with the team at ITV again.” 

Broadcaster, Maya Jama, is also set to participate in the show. "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," Jama said. "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.” 

The series will watch various musical performers compete for a £500,000 prize. The musical acts - be they soloists, duos or bands - will take to the stage to perform for the nation, with panellists Gary, Alesha, Dawn and Craig watching on from their front row seats. As they progress through the game, the contestants will feel pressured to decide whether to walk away with the money they accumulated, or risk it all for additional cash. “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," Katie Rawcliffe, ITV Head of Entertainment Commissioning said.