REPORTS: 'POPSTARS' REVIVAL IN DEVELOPMENT

Reports from The Sun suggest a revival of the classic Popstars format is in development.

The tabloid reports that a new talent show is being developed which will mirror Popstars and document the search for a new boyband. A casting call is seeking people aged 18-23.

It states: "[we are] looking for the next generation of superstars to form a brand new five-piece boy band. If you can dance, sing and have a big personality to match then we want to hear from you...

"Substantial travel will be involved and successful applicants will be residing outside of the UK from January to July 2024.". No broadcaster has yet been linked to the project. The Sun claims former producer of Popstars Nigel Hall is leading the project.

Popstars first aired on ITV in 2001 and followed the formation of a new pop group, starting with multiple rounds of auditions before the judges formed the new group and documented their launch into the music industry. It was succeeded by Popstars: The Rivals in 2002.

An 'insider' told The Sun: "First ITV brought back Big Brother, then the BBC brought back Survivor, now this might form the holy trinity of big shows from two decades ago...

"There’s been a boom in popularity for programmes from that time among Millennials. But what they want is to go back to the origins of these shows. X Factor may be the best known and most recent talent contest, but it was Popstars that kicked it all off."

More details will be revealed in due course.