BBC launches conducting reality show

The BBC has commissioned a new reality TV show called Maestro, in which seven celebrities learn to be conductors.

The Strictly Come Dancing- style programme will see stars battle it out on the podium in front of orchestras and choirs.

The winner of the series, expected to air in the summer on BBC Two, will conduct an orchestra during the Last Night of the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall in September.

Contestants will be mentored by experts and judged by a panel of top international conductors.

The famous faces taking up the challenge have not been confirmed, but broadcaster Jon Snow is rumoured to be in talks to appear.

A BBC spokesperson said: "This programme is still in the pipeline at present, but if it does go ahead, we hope that by following different people's journeys in learning how to conduct, it will succeed in opening up classical music to a completely different audience."