Cilla To Judge Soapstar Superstar

01-12-2005 00:00

Cilla Black is making her television comeback judging a talent contest for soap stars.

The new show, 'Soapstar Superstar', will see stars of the small screen from past and present take to the stage to compete in a singing competition.

Cilla quit her famous show 'Blind Date', in 2003, after 18 years because bosses kept shunting her around the schedule to accommodate football highlights.

The 62-year-old star, who had a successful career in pop music in the '60s before turning her hand to TV, will be a judge on the programme when it starts in the New Year.

The flame-haired host admits she is thrilled to be heading back to the small screen, saying: "I'm really excited about this show and it's great to be back on ITV. The show should be lots of fun."

The ten contestants on the programme will include, former 'EastEnders' star Michael Greco - who played Beppe di Marco in the hit BBC soap – ex 'Coronation Street' actor Richard Fleeshman and Wendi Peters – who plays 'Coronation Street' loudmouth Cilla Battersby.