Grease Is the Word

Grease Is the Word was the UK adaptation of NBC's talent competition Grease: You're the One that I Want!, airing on ITV in 2007. The series sought to cast the lead roles of Danny and Sandy for a new West End production at the Piccadilly Theatre. Winners Susan McFadden and Danny Bayne secured those coveted parts. Zoë Ball hosted the main show, while Holly Willoughby presented the companion series Greased Lightnin on ITV2, featuring unseen auditions and behind-the-scenes content. The judging panel included theatre producer David Ian, promoter David Gest, former popstar Sinitta, and choreographer Brian Friedman. Though produced by Syco TV, the format differed from the American version, avoiding the BBC-owned structure used in similar shows. Cat Deeley was originally set to present but withdrew due to scheduling conflicts, and Simon Cowell served as executive producer despite his American Idol commitments preventing him from judging.