Former Liverpool manager, Brendan Rodgers, is set to star in his own prime-time Sky 1 show titled “Great Characters”.
The show will feature Rodgers as one of three judges, where the “character” of contestants will be determined based on their tragic, moving and inspiring life-stories, told in front of a live studio audience.
Sky’s head of programming said the “refreshingly new” show will follow a similar format to other panel shows, with one key difference. “We looked at the huge success of shows like X-factor, and realised that the general public were really drawn to the heartfelt stories of the contestants, rather than any particular talent. This show gives people who have struggled in life the platform to tell their story, so the entire nation can judge them.”
Never a manger to court the limelight, Rodgers says he’s “learning to embrace” his newfound fame and is thrilled at his new show. “I’m delighted. The show is looking great so far. We’ve been filming in Birmingham and we’ve already heard some horrifically depressing stories so far. Very few have the great character we’re looking for though.”
Rodgers is joined on the judging panel by Sky’s Georgie Thompson as well as Roy Keane. The Corkman dismissed the notion he would be unable to play second fiddle to Rodgers: “I think this is a perfect opportunity for me to learn from someone like Brendan. I mean, obviously I want to have my own show someday, but I know I’m not quite ready to be the main man just yet.”
Sky say reports claiming that over 900 people have sought psychiatric help following Keane’s stinging criticism are “greatly exaggerated”. Sky: “It’s not even half that amount. Maybe a third.”
According to producers, as contestants progress through the show, they will be challenged to tell even more tragic and heartfelt stories, leading up to a finale critics describe as “potentially the most depressing on television”.
The prize for winning the competition has yet to be announced but many contestants claimed “the opportunity” to meet Rodgers was “more valuable than any record deal”.
