BBC to host second Fame Academy series

BBC1 chiefs are to host a second series of the talent show whose early ratings led to it being dubbed “Lame Academy”, it was announced today.

Fame Academy – won by chart-topping star David Sneddon – will return later this year and programme bosses are holding auditions in the next few weeks.

The first run of the series finished on a high of eight million viewers, capturing viewers’ imaginations after an early struggle.

And 13.8 million watched the climax of a Comic Relief celebrity version of the show.

More than 14 million votes were registered for the first series which led to several of its stars landing record deals including runner-up Sinead Quinn.

The programme features talented wannabes who are given tuition in performing and songwriting.