Sir Richard Branson's Virgin empire is in negotiations to make a Pop Idol-style show for astronauts.
The BBC and ITV have held talks over Astronaut Idol, where six contestants from around the world will compete for a spot on the Virgin Galactic project, which aims to propel commercial passengers into space before the end of the decade.
Will Whitehorn, president of Virgin Galactic, said filming could begin when testing of the Virgin aircraft nears completion in the second half of next year. He added: "The show would be a cross between Dr Who, Star Trek and The Krypton Factor."
