Former Pop Idol finalist Zoe Birkett is the star guest in Take That's spectacular Circus Live tour, which is being streamed live from Manchester on Amazon Music tonight. The 40-year-old singer, who found fame on the ITV reality talent show in the early noughties, appears as the Ringmaster in the opening and finale of the show.
Zoe Birkett's Role in the Show
The show begins with the song 'Greatest Day' as Take That's trio — Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald — appear on stage beneath a giant balloon. The glamorous Ringmaster, played by Birkett, is a very familiar face. She also sings the famous 'Lulu bit' of 'Relight My Fire' alongside the band each night.
In the finale, a giant spooky Circus Ringmaster puppet emerges onto stage, laughing as bursts of flames emerge. The 'Ringmaster' booms out a message: "Ladies and Gentleman, for your entertainment the circus is filled with thrills and death-defying feats... The greatest show on earth some would say." The voice deepens as it talks of the "dark side" and letting the "fire burn within you." The puppet then sings 'Relight My Fire' as the full cast joins on stage.
Birkett's Background
Zoe Birkett first found fame on the short-lived ITV reality talent show Pop Idol, where she made the finals. More recently, she has become an acclaimed West End star, winning plaudits for her portrayal of Tina Turner in the musical about the icon in 2024.
Birkett confirmed her role to delighted fans earlier this month by sharing a video of her voicing the giant puppet on social media. She wrote on Facebook: "I don't just sing it..... Face and voice of the biggest puppet this summer."
Fan Reactions
Fans have been "blown away" by Birkett's starring moment in the show. Linda Cook wrote: "Relight my fire blew me away!! It’s AWESOME!! You are epic Zoe." Rachel Bell said: "You were awesome! We thought it was you and you blew us away. Loved you since Get Happy!" Susan Kemp added: "Best part of the show for me! Zoe Birkett you were amazing!"
Tour Dates
Take That play the Etihad Stadium on Saturday June 20 and Sunday June 21, before returning again on the final night of the UK dates on Wednesday, July 1.
