Banijay Format Star in the Star Heads to Italy

Canale 5 has commissioned Banijay Italia to produce a local adaptation of the Star in the Star format.

This will be the first international adaptation of Star in the Star, which was originally created by Banijay Germany’s Brainpool. Hosted by Ilary Blasi in Italy, the show sees celebrities prepare to sing and perform exactly like their idols, with coaching, special effects, makeup and styling.

As the celebrities are performing, a comedy panel must figure out who they really are. The show ends with the reveal of the least convincing celebrity, who must disclose their true identity.

Star in the Star first aired on RTL in 2020.

Fabrizio Ievolella, CEO of Banijay Italia, said: “Having seen the show’s success in Germany, we are excited to be the first country to adapt this format for local audiences. We have tailored the show for the Italian audience, which we expect will further increase its international appeal.”

Lucas Green, global head of content operations at Banijay, added: “We see fantastic international potential for Brainpool’s format, and with Banijay Italia’s reputation for delivering high-quality shows like Guess My Age and Chef’s League, its local version of Star in the Star is set to entertain.”