So, this 'Don't Stop Believing' show

You'll probably be hearing a lot about Five's new musical performance reality show Don't Stop Believing over the coming days. The broadcaster launched the programme at a glitzy event this morning, with lots of journos and plenty of posh grub, ahead of the opening episode on Sunday night. Before the first show, Reality Bites will be bringing you chats with all the judges and the host Emma Bunton, but kicking things off today is Hollywood choreographer Chucky Klapow!

How did you get involved in working on this show?
"I knew that this show was going to be a really exciting project to be part of. As soon as I spoke to Karen, the executive producer, I heard her passion, I heard how excited she was about it and I really believed it. It's a great concept, it's got so many elements – singing, dancing, groups - and I think it will be the ultimate entertainment show. It will be great. The world is so excited about singing and dancing right now, this show is just the next step."

How do you think it will compare to American Idol and The X Factor?
"I think this whole format takes TV to a new level. As far as I understand it, in the history of the world, the biggest form of entertainment is singing and dancing. If you look at sporting events, even the half-time shows are filled with singing and dancing. It has always entertained us in our history. When there have been natural disasters, we use it in telethons to help raise funds for the cause. This show is combining those fantastic elements and it will entertain. It's going to be great."

How tough will you be as a judge?
"I'm a choreographer and as a dancer and performer, I'm pretty picky. I'm a perfectionist when it comes to movement, when it comes to lines. In the performances that will be what I specialise in. I'm not going to be critiquing their vocals. I know music very well and I can tell when someone's a little off, but I'm definitely going to be a bit more focused on the movement side of things. I'm not going to try and be something that I'm not."

Do you know much about your fellow judges?
"Well I worked with a pop group in Sweden in 2001, 2002, and around that time I became really familiar with Duncan. I know all about him and have a couple of his CDs. Anastacia is on my iPod! These people were in the forefront of music when I was working with my pop group. I was just thinking about it, I actually think Anastacia may have shared a stage with me at some music awards ceremony back then. I'm a big fan of all of them, so it's an added bonus of the show to get to work alongside these people who I listen to and respect."

With shows like Glee, dancing, singing and musical theatre have become pretty cool in the last 12 months. Does that excite you?
"It makes me really happy. It gives me chills thinking about it. To have been a part of bringing all this to the fore with High School Musical. I mean before HSM, you went to classes and they were all girls and two boys. After HSM, and Zac Efron, all of a sudden there is a new push in the youth. You see a lot more young boys dancing now. Justin Timberlake and Usher must also take credit, as they have inspired a lot of people. Obviously HSM tapped a demographic, filled a void and Glee have taken that same idea and run away with it. It's great that singing and dancing is prevalent now, because it stimulates people to think differently and be artistic."

You seem genuinely really excited about this show!
"I really am excited about the whole thing. I just hope the talent, staff and judges on the show are just as passionate as me. If you don't have the passion then nobody will care about it. I'm a sports fan, I'm passionate about competition and I take that into my everyday life. I hope the contestants are passionate about their craft, because if they are, we will have an amazing show on our hands. I also can't wait to get over to London so I can introduce myself. You'll have seen my work – HSM, This Is It, even way back when I was a kid, a Dannii Minogue music video – but now you can put a name to the dance moves."

You worked with Michael Jackson on his planned O2 shows. What was he like to work alongside?
"They were some of the happiest moments and some of the darkest moments of my life. I was inspired by Michael Jackson, he was the most recognisable figure on the planet, alive there on stage with us. Come on! Incredible! He really cared for everyone about him. There was nothing big about himself. He was always so caring and giving. He hugged everyone each day and was really great. He was so wonderful, appreciative and had the biggest heart. Ignoring the media my whole life, he was the human being that I always hoped he would be. I learned a lot in that project watching how detailed his choices were and how he paid attention to even the smallest things. It was everything I hoped it would be that show, but sadly it was snatched away. But, everything happens for a reason and I love the fact that in the year that followed a whole new generation has been inspired by Michael."

Don't Stop Believing starts on Sunday at 7pm on Five.

Are you looking forward to this latest talent show? Will you be tuning in on Sunday? Leave your opinions in the box below!