theSUN
By DEREK ROBINS
POP IDOL is set to be revived with Channel Five and Sky battling with ITV to re-launch it.
Creator Simon Fuller of 19TV and Fremantle Media are taking bids on the format now that ITV’s option has run out.
The series is expected to return with less emphasis on the judges and more on the performers.
A decision is due at the end of November but Simon Cowell will not take part in any new show because of his X Factor and American Idol commitments.
The show ran on ITV1 for two series with Will Young winning in 2002 and Michelle McManus in 2003 when it was dropped in favour of The X Factor.
The original judges were Cowell, Nicki Chapman, Pete Waterman and Neil ‘Dr’ Fox.
Sky One programme director Richard Woolfe said: “Pop Idol is a great brand and when it’s clear what programme is available, we’ll look at it.”
ITV director of entertainment Paul Jackson added: “We have made it clear that we want to be included in the pitch round for Idol and we have been told we will be.”
