Alan Titchmarsh faces 'Operastar' axe?

Alan Titchmarsh may be axed from Popstar To Operastar, a report has claimed.

According to the Daily Star, the 61-year-old - who co-hosted the first series of the reality show with Myleene Klass - may not return for a planned second run in 2011 because of a reduced budget.

"It will have a new look and just one presenter as we thought having two was a bit of an overkill. We're confident that fans will like what we are planning," said a show source.

Klass is apparently the current frontrunner to keep the job because of her classical background. However, Titchmarsh's popularity with older viewers and current contract with the broadcaster means that no final decision has been made.

Some £700,000 will reportedly remain in the budget for eight singing celebrities, who will be trained in the art of opera. It is not known yet if the judges from the first run - Meat Loaf, Katherine Jenkins, Laurence Llewellyn Bowen and Rolando Villazón - will return next year.

> 'Popstar To Operastar' lands second run