[Arneldo]

GLITZY sing-a-along karaoke show Soapstar Superstar has been dumped — despite bumper ratings.

The news will shock fans of the programme, which was fronted by Zoe Ball and which pulled in around SEVEN MILLION viewers for January’s final.

It has run for only two years — but an insider explained: “ITV1’s new bosses think it’s time to give it a rest.

“They feel it is a bit too similar to X Factor. We know this won’t go down too well among some viewers — but we are planning to come up with other great shows instead.”

This year’s series was a runaway success — thanks largely to the ample charms of former Hollyoaks babe Gemma Atkinson.

She set tongues wagging while filming the show in Manchester by dating Man United footie ace Cristiano Ronaldo. And the production gave a major career boost to this year’s winner Antony Cotton, Corrie’s Sean Tully.

He is now in talks with ITV about hosting a chat show. Last year’s winner was Weatherfield’s Richard Fleeshman.

An ITV spokeswoman said: “We have decided to rest Soapstar Superstar next year. But it may well come back one day.”

Soapstar Superstar was hailed as the ultimate entertainment show by ITV when it launched last year — mixing soapstars from all channels with an X Factor-style contest.

The first series featured Cilla Black, Billy Sammeth and Chris Cowey on the judging panel — with Fern Britton and Ben Shephard as the hosts.

This year’s show saw Martine McCutcheon and Michael Ball replace Cilla on the panel.

The Sun

[Bells]

I'm surprised, I didn't get into this very much but I followed what was going on and I know quite a few people who really liked it.
I hope they do come up with good shows as a replacement at least.

[Arneldo]

Originally posted by Ash
I'm surprised, I didn't get into this very much but I followed what was going on and I know quite a few people who really liked it.
I hope they do come up with good shows as a replacement at least.

I thought the whole show was a waste of time. I would have muched preferred a Celeb X Factor back instead.

Knowing ITV the "great shows" they have planned are probably 'Superstar Soapstar', a out of luck 'superstar' takes part in a soap. Ohhh...exciting stuff

[BigSister]

aww i liked soapstar superstar. But im probably the only 1 who did

[GhettoSuperstar]

Thought it was a waste of time and had no talent within it. But a good decision from ITV!

[GlitterEyes]

I liked the show but I felt like the format of it was stupid...all Corrie & Emmerdale contestants did well while Eastenders, Neighbours, H&A & Hollyoaks did badly. It wasn't a true representation of the soapstars singing because Leon was brilliant yet failed to get votes. I think they have to end it because they were running out of people who would go in...I can only imagine itv show soapstars being interested as the rest might aswell not be there.

[Bells]

Originally posted by Arneldo
Knowing ITV the "great shows" they have planned are probably 'Superstar Soapstar', a out of luck 'superstar' takes part in a soap. Ohhh...exciting stuff

Lmao, Superstar Soapstar...
That's a good point GE about them running out of people as well, I suppose it makes sense it being a one-off. The voting issue is one to consider too, but sadly that happens in quite a few shows. A celeb X Factor would be a good idea - I'm sure loads will tune in to that!

[Billy]

I thought Gemma Atkinson did great and she was Hollyoaks. This was my favourite reality show, after BB. I thought it was fresh and fun

[Kristen]

I LOVED this show
ITV are even stupider than I thought.

[Ruth*Star]

I liked this, i did not think it would get axed.

[Sam]

I hated it, i thought it was tacky and cheesey

[Callum]

I didn't like this show, hardly anyone had special talent and the judges weren't even suited to their job. I would much prefer a series of X Factor any day!

[Matt]

Surprising, I didn't watch it but i know it was a hit...