In Ireland, the line-up for RTÉ's You're A Star Charity Special has been announced, with eight celebrity contestants taking part in the two-week series for their chosen charities.

The eight contestants are: columnist Amanda Brunker, Fair City star David Mitchell, Independent TD Finian McGrath, former Miss Ireland Natasha Nic Gairbheith, S@ttitude presenter Liam McCormack, TG4 and RTÉ presenter Sile Seoige, Bull Island star Alan Shortt and Would You Believe presenter Geri Maye.

The contestants' charities are: Solas (part of Irish Autism Action), Temple Street Children's Hospital, Downs Syndrome Ireland, The Donegal Hospice, Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, the homeless organisation Cope, The National Council for the Blind of Ireland and The Marie Keating Foundation respectively.

You're A Star judges Louis Walsh and Linda Martin (winner of the 1992 Eurovision Song Contest) will return for the show and will be joined by Sunday Independent columnist Brendan O'Connor on the judging panel. Twink, who was part of a three-girl group called Sheeba who represented Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1981, will coach the contestants. The show will be presented by Derek Mooney.

Following the same format as You're A Star, the public will text their votes at the end of each show, with one contestant being eliminated each night. You're A Star Charity Special begins on RTÉ ONE on Tuesday 2 August at 9.30pm and runs for two weeks on Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

You're A Star was used as the format for selecting Irelands' Eurovision Song Contest entrant in 2003, 2004 & 2005. However a new format will be used to find a representative for Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2006.