03/07/2008
This Saturday night sees the launch of a new prime time singing competition - and this time it's choirs that are taking the limelight.
Last Choir Standing fills in the slot vacated by musical talent show I'll Do Anything and promises to put a bit of pizzazz into choral music's reputation, with all the glitz and glam of a Saturday night spectacle and a glamorous host in the form of Myleene Klass.
Nick Knowles joins Myleene as co-presenter and the show's three judges are singer Russell Watson, actress and singer Sharon D Clarke and Voices Foundation director Suzi Digby, one of the first signatories of the Music Manifesto.
Thousands of choirs of all ages entered the competition, singing in styles from gospel to jazz to classical to pop, and 60 were chosen to audition in front of the judges. But that will eventually be whittled down to just six choirs who will compete in the live finals and face the public vote.
You'll have to watch the show to find out who makes it, but you can get a sneak preview of some of the performances online.
To tie in with the show, the BBC are also hosting two mass singing events in August, in Hull and Derby - you can register online to take part from 11 July.
Judge Suzi Digby thinks the show marks a resurgence in the popularity of choral singing. "You would not see the BBC risking a show like this unless they felt there was a public mood for it," she says. "I'm absolutely positive that this is going to make a lot of ordinary people want to go and join choirs, no question about it, and that can only be a good thing."
Last Choir Standing starts Saturday 5 July at 7.45pm on BBC1.