Radio 1's Mills to host 'Upstaged'

BBC Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills is to host BBC Three's new cross-platform variety show Upstaged, it has been confirmed.

During the series, members of the public will audition in two glass boxes in Bristol's Millennium Square. Performers may showcase anything they like in the boxes as long as it is entertaining enough for the public to vote them through to the next day in an online poll.

"I'm really excited to be involved in such a ground breaking show," said Mills. "The contestants get eight hours in the limelight, so there's scope for lots of creativity and experimentation. It's not just about singing or dancing - we're looking for artists, sculptors, wit and wisdom, anyone with a unique idea that they think will keep the nation entertained for eight hours.

"It's great that the public have the power - they pick who goes into the box and who gets to return to defend their status the next day. Even if you're not performing, you're still part of the action. You can vote, chat online with other viewers, invite others to view and join, campaign for your favourite acts - it really will be the public's programme."

The first five weeks of the eight week series will go out exclusively on the BBC Three website, with the remainder also showing on BBC Three's digital TV channel.