The word on the street is that Pop Idol will be returning to our screens next year and the new series will have much more emphasis on performers and less on the judges.

Channel Five and Sky One are battling ITV for the show but Simon Cowell will not be taking part due to X Factor and American Idol commitments.

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.�