STARSTRUCK judge Jason Manford has defended his new ITV show after fans claimed it is a rip of Stars In Your Eyes.
The comic made light of the comparison, calling anyone who didn’t spot the similarities “thick”.
The singing show hosted by pop star Olly Murs made its debut last night.
It sees ordinary members of the public transformed into some of the world’s biggest music icons.
Jason told his followers: “Enjoy #Starstruck. It’s a great show. If you think we sat the whole series and not one of mentioned the similarity to #StarsInTheirEyes, you’re thick mate!
“Of course it is, so feel free to not tell me 
but do try to guess who the contestants are gonna be & best soundalike.”
Appearing to nod to the trolling he expected to suffer while on TV last night, Jason added: “Thanks for all your lovely comments from tonight’s #MaskedSingerUK & #Starstruck.
“Always love making these shows, absolutely hate them going out, but you have all been really lovely and I appreciate it. Take care.”
Jason was joined on the star-studded judging panel by actress Sheridan Smith, songstress Beverely Knight and Queen frontman Adam Lambert, who gave the guests their feedback after their performances.
But viewers were quick to point out that the show’s concept was far too similar to the popular singing show originally presented by Matthew Kelly from 1993 to 2004.
One fan wrote: “So this is basically Stars In Their Eyes….? #Starstruck”
Another posted: “So #Starstruck is essentially Stars In Their Eyes. Bit of a rip off. #Starstruck”
A third “So #Starstruck is essentially Stars In Their Eyes, but you don’t actually have to look, or sound, like the person you are doing, which to be fair is an interesting twist…”
Another added: “Come on…this is Stars In Their Eyes!! What’s the point of renaming it?? Why didn’t they just bring back the original show. #Starstruck”
Starstruck will see ordinary members of the public with an exceptional talent team up to transform into some of the world’s biggest music icons from Amy Winehouse to Ariana Grande, Lionel Richie to Lady Gaga, Marvin Gaye to Michael Buble, and many more.
The series sees four teams of three battle it out each week to win the vote of our expert judging panel and virtual audience for a coveted place in the final and to be in with the chance of winning a whopping £50,000.
Leaving their day jobs behind, members of the public will be transformed into their most beloved music star for one night only. But they won’t be on stage alone.
Instead, they’ll be teaming up as trios who all share the same love of a music icon to give the performance of a lifetime.
With an expert glam team to oversee their extraordinary transformation, impressive staging and a spectacular sound and light show, our singing stars will be getting the complete ‘superstar experience’.
Each episode will culminate in an exciting finale which sees the winning trio compete against each other for a place in the grand final and the chance to walk away with that life- changing sum of cash.
