'Jesus Christ Superstar' the reality show: Bonkers or brilliant?

In the finale of every episode of Andrew Lloyd Webber's last reality show - BBC One's 'Hunt for a Dorothy' series Over the Rainbow - the failed stage hopefuls were forced to hand back their ruby slippers to Webber and were slowly lifted off the stage delivering a (usually teary) version of 'Over the Rainbow'.

During Webber's hunt for a Dorothy, speculation on the Digital Spy forums grew about what musical the West End composer would cast for next. After having money-spinning hits with Maria, Joseph and Nancy, future series were inevitable, but the list of potential shows appeared to be shortening.

The possibility of Webber resurrecting (see what we did there) his Broadway rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar was often thrown around as a joke. The possibility of Webber uttering the lines, 'you could still be Jesus'/'you are not Jesus'/'you're more of a Judas than a Jesus'/'do you think you have what it takes to be Jesus?' sounded hilarious, but unrealistic. Surely the BBC wouldn't risk making a TV show about finding someone to play Jesus Christ. The Daily Mail would nail them to the cross (see what we did there) for it.

The BBC opted not to take such a gamble, but ITV1 has. Webber has launched his search today for "a new Jesus", who will star in an updated arena tour of his popular stage hit.

Webber's announcement brings with it some inevitable questions. Who will be judging the show? The Archbishop of Canterbury? Mel Gibson? Or John Barrowman screeching lines like "you are my saviour!" and "sweet baby Jesus, you are my chosen one"?

How will they choose to have the eliminated hopeful leave the show every week? Will they be nailed to the cross and forced to sing 'Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life', while Webber grins on from the sidelines? And what will the weekly challenges involve? Turning water into wine? Feed the 5,000? Get the show higher ratings than Grease is the Word?

Will it be a hit? Webber has very few misses, so it wouldn't surprise us in the slightest if the show and follow-up tour helped him buy another extension on the end of his extension at his Sydmonton estate. So don't let our cynicism and lazy puns get in the way of the fun. Everyone singalong... *Jesus Christ... Superstar! Do you think, you're what they say you are?Jesus Christ... Superstar!*

What do you think of Jesus Christ Superstar the reality show? Do you think it's a good idea or a daft mistake? Share your views below!