The audition stages of a new BBC talent show series featuring Gary Barlow will be recorded in Salford.
Let It Shine will be filmed in Dock 10 Studios at MediaCityUK in the autumn.
The show will see Gary search for performers to take part in a competition to find a new band to star in a stage show featuring the music of the popular group.
The start of the eight-week competition will be filmed in Salford in front of a live audience. The public can apply for tickets to watch the recordings.
It’s fitting that the search is starting in Salford as Take That were formed in neighbouring Manchester and the city is considered the ‘spiritual home’ of the band.
Gary Barlow says: “Manchester is where it all began for us, so for me there is no better place to hear from our first contenders vying for a place to be in the new Take That stage show.”
Alice Webb, Director of BBC North, says: “Take That and Manchester are forever linked. The band and the city share a spirit and ambition that is as true today as it was in 1989 when Gary and the lads first got together. I know so many people are going to be so excited to see this new talent show made in Salford.”
Let It Shine will be shown on BBC One on Saturday nights and will be presented by Graham Norton and Mel Giedroyc.
Each week, Gary will be helped by three judges in his search for the best new talent the country has to offer.
The opening stages of the new series will be recorded in Salford. The later live final stage of the competition will be made in Elstree with BBC Studioworks. Details for applications for tickets for the live shows will be announced in due course.
The Salford recordings will be in September and November. The public can apply for tickets to watch them via Lost In Tv here: http://bit.ly/29ryjhh
