Stars In Their Eyes set to return to ITV

Harry Hill will present the revival of the hit singing show

Jamie Muscato performs as Michael Crawford in Stars in Their Eyes (Rex/ITV)

Music fans dreaming of stepping into their idol’s shoes will have the chance to seize their five minutes of fame as Stars In Their Eyes returns to ITV.

After eight years absence the hit series is being revived in a new format by Endemol company Initial, with comedian Harry Hill presenting.

The TV classic sees contestants performing as their favourite artist, impersonating them both vocally and physically, in front of a live audience.

Viewers can expect amazing transformations as members of the public emerge through the iconic sliding doors as global music icons.

Hill said: “Without a doubt, appearing on Stars in their Eyes as Morrissey all those years ago (although beaten, unfairly in my view, by Kirsty Young’s Peggy Lee) was one of the highlights of my light entertainment career.

“So imagine the smile bought to my lips when I was asked by ITV at a secret breakfast meeting in a top London hotel to take the reigns of this Rolls-Royce of pop-impression talent shows and walk in the footsteps of showbiz giants Crowther, Kelly and Deeley! And on ITV too! Dust off the wigs and sequins - I'm coming home!”

ITV’s director of entertainment and comedy, Elaine Bedell, said: “It's so good to have Harry back in the heart of ITV peak time, bringing his own unique, brilliantly comic flair to such a popular show. We love working with Harry at ITV, and we're also developing further formats, with the BAFTA award-winning comedian."