Banijay Italia Scores First International Version of Star in the Star

Banijay today confirms Canale 5 has commissioned Banijay Italia to produce a primetime run of Star in the Star. This marks the first international adaptation of the musical guessing show, originally created by Banijay Germany’s Brainpool.

Even celebrities have people they look up to! Hosted in Italy by Ilary Blasi, Star in the Star prepares celebrities to sing and perform just like their idols with coaching, special effects, make-up and styling. Once they have transformed into iconic, well-known musicians, it is up to a comedy panel to work out who the famous faces are. To help them out, cryptic clues are offered throughout the performance and at the end of every show, there is an epic reveal where the least convincing celebrity must peel off their new face and disclose their true identity.

Originally created by Banijay Germany label, Brainpool, Star in the Star first aired on RTL in 2020 and was the #1 programme of the night on the commercial target.

Fabrizio Ievolella, Chief Executive Officer of Banijay Italia says, “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 adds, “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.”

Banijay Italia’s slate boasts hit formats such as Survivor, which recently broke records in Italy with its Celebrity iteration, and award-winning documentary, Ferro, for Amazon Prime. Brainpool is known for entertaining the nation with brands like Free European Song Contest and FameMaker, the latter which increased Pro 7’s total market share amongst 14–49 year-olds by 30%.