'Pop Idol' to return this Spring

[Debs]

Pop Idol is likely to make a comeback this May with a new format, according to The Sun today.

The series has been absent from UK screens for more than two years following the success of The X Factor, a similar format that now runs each autumn.

The new version, Celebrity Pop Idol, would feature famous faces rather than unknowns as the contestants, meaning the popular auditions phase of the show would be scrapped.

The series would air over ten consecutive days, a format that worked successfully with Soapstar Superstar earlier this month.

Ant and Dec have been tapped to return as hosts but Simon Cowell, who is tied up with American Idol until the end of May, may not be back on the judging panel.

"Simon will be the cherry on the icing but he... doesn't know if he will be able to find the time," a source told the newspaper. "Everyone is crossing fingers we can get him."

An ITV spokesperson confirmedthat the series was in development but added that it had not yet been commissioned.

[Carrie Bradshaw]

Without Simon Cowell and the funny auditions it won't be the same. Which 'famous faces' will it be this time?

[willow]

how can they do it without the auditions?????
it just won't be the same!!!

[Chloe O'brien]

no don't do a celebrity pop idol we want to see all the funny auditions

[willow]

would'nt celeb pop idol be too much like soapstar superstar????

[the_watts_rule]

would'nt celeb pop idol be too much like soapstar superstar????

It would but some of them wouldn't be soapstars.

[dddMac1]

not another one,do they have to use celebs all the time

[Katy]

there getting desperate now, and even without Simon Cowell im sure someone would be able to fill his shoes.

[Keating's babe]

It might be good. I thought Soapstars Superstar was good and you got to see some real talent. i.e Craig and Kirk from Corrie.

[pookie1968uk]

i would rather they did a normal pop idol, we dont need any more "celeb" shows with low rate celebs trying to improve their careers.