Martin Bashir is the surprise star of new celebrity version of X Factor after wowing audience with his singing
- The BBC’s religion editor has filmed the audition stages of the show
- Sources say he is a natural performer and has surprised everyone with his voice
- Bashir conducted a famous 1995 Panorama interview with Princess Diana
- Other stars rumoured to be on the show are Gemma Collins and Brendan Cole
Interviewer Martin Bashir is the unexpected singing star of a new celebrity version of X Factor.
Bashir, 56, who is now the BBC’s religion editor, has already filmed the audition stages of the show, which will go out on ITV in the autumn.
Sources say Bashir is a natural performer and has surprised everyone with a strong singing voice.
Martin Bashir, 56, the BBC’s religion editor, will appear on this year’s celebrity X Factor
Bashir conducted a 1995 Panorama interview with Princess Diana, who made a series of sensational revelations about her split from Prince Charles.
On the new show Bashir will compete against other celebrities, rumoured to include former Strictly dancer Brendan Cole and reality star Gemma Collins.
Audition rounds were held in Los Angeles at head judge Simon Cowell’s house in mid-July. The winner will be offered a record deal with his label Syco.
Audition rounds were held in Los Angeles at head judge Simon Cowell’s house in mid-July
Cowell, who has switched to a celebrity format amid declining ratings, is hoping to find a star who can sell records rather than just offer celebrity karaoke.
He said: ‘What we’re meant to be looking for is a new artist. The only validity for me doing these shows is that I’m doing my day job on TV – which is trying to find artists for the label.
An insider said: ‘It’s a proper competition and they want people who can really sing but who are big personalities too.’