Sonia Friedman Questions Morality of BBC Talent Show

Leading West End producer Sonia Friedman has been very vocal about her opinion of the BBC talent show, "Let it Shine," claiming she has a "moral issue."

In an interview with Radio Times, Friedman said, "I do have a moral issue. I still find it difficult to understand how a public corporation can be funding a commercial operation. And I have put my money where my mouth is. I have been approached many times to do such things but I don't believe it's how we should be putting our shows on."

"Let it Shine" is fronted by Gary Barlow, along with judges Dannii Minogue, Martin Kemp, and Amber Riley, who are on the search to find a boyband who can belt the music of Take That for a new touring musical THE BAND.

Friedman, who produced HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD, claims this format of BBC musical talent shows give "free advertising" to Barlow's latest project.

"Let it Shine" is not the first its kind. Past talent shows include "How Do You Solve a Problem like Maria?" and "Any Dream Will Do" were both for Andrew Lloyd Webber projects.

Despite the criticism, "Let it Shine" has still proved to be a hit among audiences.

Photo credit: Jason Alden