Walk The Line on ITV: who is presenter Maya Jama, who are the judges - and when is the singing show on TV?

ITV will launch another entertaining competition show this December, as highly anticipated ‘Walk The Line’ debuts with a star studded judging panel.

It’s another of Simon Cowell’s productions, however the media mogul will not appear on the show.

The show is a singing competition which involves contestants performing live before deciding whether to cash out, or risk it all to progress in the competition.

So, how does the show work and who are the judges? This is what you need to know.

How does ‘Walk the Line’ work?

The series consists of five episodes.

In episode one, the acts - from soloists to duos and bands - will take to the stage to perform for the nation and judges in the hope of progressing to the top of the leaderboard.

The two acts who finish top at the end of episode one will have the choice of taking home a lump sum, or progressing to the following episode where they will be up against a string of new performers.

As the competition progresses, the jackpot will build depending on how far the act gets in the competition.

ITV’s synopsis reads: “to win the money, talent alone isn’t enough.”

“The top two performers of the evening then face a nail-biting decision in their bid to be crowned champion – to either ‘cash out’ with a tempting cash prize, or walk the line and play on.

“Should they stay in and top the leaderboard, they will then progress to the next show, facing a different cast of performers.”

The contestants will need nerves of steel as they determine whether to cash in or physically Walk The Line and risk it all to stay in the competition.

The name is thought to be based on the tightrope teased in the trailer for the show, though its role in the format is yet to be determined.

Who are the judges?

While Simon Cowell is the name behind the highly anticipated prime-time show, he will not sit on the judging panel and instead takes on the role of executive producer.

However, the panel is still made up of some of the best UK talent, as Take That’s Gary Barlow sits with fellow singer and former Strictly judge Alesha Dixon.

Joining the singers on the panel is comedian and actress Dawn French and singer-songwriter and producer Craig David.

Speaking about participating in the show, Alesha Dixon told The Sun that “being a part of it alongside Gary, Craig, Dawn and Maya is very exciting.”

She told ITV:”’Walk The Line has all the components to make great TV, it’s always a joy to find new talent, let the games begin.”

Meanwhile, Dawn French will add judging to her string of talents.

She said of her involvement: “I’m far too excited to be part of this show - I’ve decided to wear double knickers at all times.”

Of his involvement, Craig said: “Walk The Line is innovative, new and edgy which is why I’m so excited to be working on this show!

“I’m really vibed by the quality of the contestants I’ve seen so far and love that they have the chance to bet on themselves every step of the way.”

Who is the presenter, Maya Jama?

The 27-year-old has risen to prominence on television in recent years, co-presenting BBC One’s Peter Crouch: Save Our Summer, as well as BBC Three’s Glow Up: Britain’s Next Make Up Star.

The Bristol born radio presenter and DJ told ITV that she grew up watching Cowell’s hit tv shows, such as X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent, so working for him is a “pinch me” moment.

Speaking about the show, Jama told ITV: “This has been a childhood dream of mine.

"I remember watching shows created by Simon when I was younger, and to be given the opportunity to host one myself… it has definitely been a pinch me moment.

"Walk The Line has been unlike anything I’ve worked on before and I hope everyone has as much fun watching it as we are making it.”

When is Walk the Line o TV?

The show debuts on 12 December at 8pm on ITV and the ITV Hub.

The six-part series will then air over six consecutive nights also at 8pm, culminating in the finale on Friday, 17 December.