Just when you thought we were in a TV talent show-free zone this summer up pops yet another singing/dancing show – Born To Shine. In aid of charity, the show showcases celebrities who are keen to learn a new skill with members of the public voting for who they think mastered it best. Sounds familiar? However, there is one big catch - they are mentored by a host of extraordinary children who have exceptional talents.
Hosted by Natasha Kaplinksy who is an ambassador for Save The Children and under the watchful eye of their young mentors, the celebrities attempt to impress the public and a judging panel headed by Denise Van Outen and Jason Gardiner. This week Cheryl Cole’s closest pal and bandmate Kimberley Walsh joined the panel as a guest judge, but I was disappointed with her lack of constructive criticism and feedback (probably best she didn’t get the X-Factor judging gig then!).
First up to perform a fast paced tap dancing routine were married couple Michael Underwood and Angellica Bell. For a woman who is five months pregnant Angellica did an incredible job, and still managed to look fantastic in a figure hugging pink dress. The lovebirds set a high standard with their enthusiastic performance. And I agreed with Kimberley when she said that the routine was actually harder then it looked.
You had to admire Jodie Prenger’s effort at performing a rap song. I initially cringed for the West End star when I discovered that she also had to write her own lyrics, but the end result was not too bad. I was amazed by the speed that Jodie gathered when she was performing Tinie Tempah’s Invincible, it appears she may have found her secret talent!
The highlight of the night had to be Nick Moran’s outstanding piano performance. I was not surprised one bit when it was revealed that he would be sailing through to the grand finale. The actor best known as Scabior in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows definitely bagged the most difficult challenge of the evening by learning to play a great eight piano piece in just three weeks.
It was an impressive performance and by the reaction from the audience they too were mesmerized by his playing. I thought it was sweet that despite receiving an incredible reaction, the Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels star remained modest giving the credit to his young professional mentor.
In the coming weeks Born To Shine will also feature a number of films showcasing Save the Children’s projects overseas bringing the reality of the charity’s life-saving work to viewers. Kaplinsky, Chris Tarrant and actress Dervla Kirwan travelled to Africa to report back.
Next week’s celebrities include This Morning’s Ruth Langsford who will be playing the drums, Emmerdale actor Tony Audenshaw, Lesley Dunlop who will be doing her best to jive, and Dawn Porter who will be singing the blues.
Laura Delaney
