Cowell to judge new UK reality show

Simon Cowell is set to judge a new Pop Idol-style reality series in the UK this autumn, according to Broadcast this week.

Called The X Factor, the show will begin with auditions for singers of all ages. Successful candidates will then be split into three groups; 16-24 year olds, 25-65 year olds, and a third group which will be formed into a band.

The three judges will each be handed one of the groups to manage. In weekly shows - one hour of performances and 30 minutes of results - viewers will vote on which is the best group and consequently who is the best judge.

Cowell has signed on as the first judge while Westlife manager Louis Walsh will be the second. ITV is said to be "in discussion" with ex Spice Girl Mel B about being the third judge.

A source told the magazine: "It will be like judge wars – will Louis Walsh win the show or will Simon Cowell? They will be doing everything they can to win the Saturday night show and will pull out every trick in the book to do so."

The series will air instead of a third Popstars or Pop Idol, which has instead been postponed until 2005/06.

Cowell's production company Simcow has been commissioned to make the programme in partnership with Talkback.