Pitch Battle presenter Mel Giedroyc is a self-confessed music lover and no stranger to the world of singing herself, having previously starred in The Rocky Horror Show Live and Eurovision spoof Eurobeat.

Mel Giedroyc

Her television presenting credits include Let’s Sing And Dance For Comic Relief and The Great British Bake Off.

How would you describe Pitch Battle?

First and foremost, it is a non-brutal competition. There is a £50k prize for the winning group, which is amazing, but this is about the genuine love of what they are doing rather than ‘look at me’ kind of thing. That makes a real difference. Also, they all know each other so well and it is like having a bunch of friends and family on stage.

You have sung before in a choir, including with Gareth Malone for his Children In Need single…

I can hold a tune, God bless you! The great thing about being in a choir is you don’t have to be Beyoncé to sing in one! You have to be able to listen. It’s all about the blending in.

It’s your first solo Saturday night project. How are you feeling?

I am really looking forward to it but this show is not about the presenter at all. I am there to keep the whole thing going. It’s about the joy music brings.

What are the judges like?

Gareth has definitely got a Saturday night glitz about him! Kelis is so down to earth and Deke, who is helping out behind the scenes, has so much energy. He is our Zen grandmaster and there is nothing he doesn’t know about singing.

Does presenting this show make you want to sing in a choir again?

I have got some mates who are in a rock choir near where I live and I am going to investigate! I think you can do a lot worse in your week than spend an hour singing. It’s a cure for loneliness, anxiety, stress and some types of depression.

Do you hope Pitch Battle will inspire viewers?

Yes. I hope it does for choirs and singing what those other shows have done for dance. It’s also great for kids and their self-esteem. Working in a team means it is not just about you.

You have been very busy this year with Eurovision and Let’s Sing And Dance For Comic Relief amongst others. Are you planning to have a rest?!

I have got the whole summer off. I feel ok because I had a gap between this show and Let’s Sing And Dance For Comic Relief but I am also ready for a break. Eurovision was so much fun this year and Lucie Jones, the UK entry, was a real pro. She was so hard working and she had an incredible voice. But I do feel incredibly grateful to have been given all these opportunities. It’s been amazing.

Do you ever feel under pressure?

I haven’t really thought about it if I am honest. It is such a treat to do the job I do, it is all so much fun! I just keep my head down and plough on!

And finally what advice would you give the groups?

Seize the moment and enjoy it all. There is nothing like being on stage, surrounded by the love of your friends and family – I know this from being in a double act for so long!

Photo by BBC

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