BBC bosses are lining up a brand new singing show – just as Simon Cowell ’s The X Factor is dropped by rival ITV.
Producers are seeking “original and passionate singer-songwriters” to come and “showcase their songs to the nation” by performing their own material, plus “unique covers of their favourite hits”.
A pilot of the planned new series, called The Next Stage, will be filmed shortly.
One insider said: “The aim is to find undiscovered talent who need a leg-up on their way to launching a music career.
“It doesn’t matter if they are a solo artist or a band, we’re keen to hear from everyone from all musical genres and backgrounds.”
If the pilot, produced by BBC Studios, proves a success, the show could be rolled out on Saturday nights.
ITV bosses have confirmed The X Factor will be dropped this year amid plummeting ratings – as revealed by the Mirror in December.
They have also called time on Paddy McGuinness’ dating show Take Me Out, and are now seeking replacement entertainment shows to air this autumn.
Despite proving hugely popular, The Masked Singer will not return for a second run in the autumn, insiders have revealed.
Bosses are instead expected to fill the gap with a number of game-shows, including Gary Lineker’s new Sitting On A Fortune and a spin-off of The Chase called Beat the Chasers.
