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ITV2 has commissioned Yorkshire Television to make what it claims

is one of the biggest and most exciting talent shows to be screened on

UK television.

Starmaker will start in September and will follow the fate of thousands

of star-struck hopefuls. The programme aims to find at least one major

star of the future.

The show, which has a similar format to ITV's Popstars, will run over 14

weeks and provide 52 hours of television. The programme will feature a

celebrity panel whose job it is to unearth hidden talent at auditions in

30 locations across the country.

From each location, seven lucky contestants will feature in their own

Saturday night entertainment show, with the chance to compete for a

place in Starmaker's live finale in the new year.

Joan Lofts, ITV2 director of broadcasting, said: 'This is one of ITV2's

most ambitious commissions and we're looking forward to this exciting

series, which could uncover the next big entertainment star of the 21st

century.'

Jim Brown, Starmaker's executive producer and Yorkshire TV's head of

entertainment, said: 'I've sat through many unbelievable auditions over

the years and can guarantee that this will make compulsive viewing.'