Boy George, Jedward, Aston Merrygold, Deirdre O’Kane and Lyra join new entertainment show The Big Deal

Boy George, Jedward, Aston Merrygold, Deirdre O’Kane and Lyra have signed on to feature in a brand new entertainment show launching this autumn on Virgin Media Television.

The star-studded line-up for The Big Deal will see Vogue Williams host the show - while music legend Boy George, comedian Deirdre O’Kane, singer Aston Merrygold, rising Irish star Lyra and pop twins Jedward make up the judging panel.

The Big Deal will showcase variety acts, from musicians and magicians through comedians and dancers to acrobats and the utterly undefinable. "The only thing the performers have in common is an ability to make jaws drop, hearts race and eyes roll — and occasionally tear up," a press release reads.

After each act, the performers are offered a deal: they can either accept a cash buyout and leave the competition with a sum of money — or they can reject the offer and hope they’ve impressed the judges enough to progress through to the final and the chance to win a life-changing prize pot.

“The Big Deal is a spectacular new entertainment show filming in Dublin’s 3Arena and is on a scale not seen in Ireland before," Bill Malone, Director of Content, Virgin Media Television said.

Pat Kiely, CEO of BiggerStage added: “Our mission is to work with great talent and the world’s best entertainment brands. In bringing together this stellar line-up and in partnering with Virgin Media Television and Fox Alternative Entertainment, The Big Deal is a great testament to what can be achieved."

"As a world first we are looking forward to giving Irish viewers a great family, fun-filled show whilst showcasing Irish television skills at their best.”

Read the December 2020 Hot Press interview with acclaimed artist Lyra here, where she explores her festive EP and her time with Irish Women in Harmony. You can also revisit our March 2020 Mad Hatter Q&A with Deirdre O'Kane, and 2013 meeting with Boy George.