Pop Idol 2

Well, ITV claim BBC are going about their public service remit with their decision to go head-to-head, while the BBC blame ITV for axing programmes such as Judgement Day at the last minute.

From what I understand, the BBC pulled Fame Academy forward to avoid clashing with Pop Idol in the autumn, when it was originally scheduled. At a similar time, ITV pulled Pop Idol forward in an attempt to rescue it's Saturday night schedule.

Has anyone heard this anywhere else?

According to Digiguide listings, Fame Acadamy II starts on Saturday 26th July at 6.30pm, ITV1 are showing the film Twister.....

Fame Academy II will be on for an hour at 6.30pm on Saturdays and 8.00pm on Wednesdays on BBC1

Fame Academy on Three will be on for 90 mins at 7.30pm on Saturdays and on Wednesdays for 30 mins at 9pm and 40 mins at 9.50pm on BBC3

Fame Academy Live will be on for 20 mins at 9.30pm on Wednesdays on BBC3

Fame Acadamy Update will be on for 15 mins at 8.15pm on Saturdays and 9.50pm on Wednesdays on BBC1

The Beeb says scheduling both shows head to head will not be in the interests of viewers. Damn right it won't. Those who dislike reality shows will not have the option of an alternative on the other channel. And before you say it, why should these viewers have to make do with BBC2, C4 or C5? Their programming is hardly what most people want on Saturday nights.

Can I suggest a third poll option of "neither"? Seeing Simon Cowell's mug plastered across my TV is spoiling ITV Nightscreen!

Well this is what it said on Teletext the other day...I'm only saying what I have read...please forgive me if I am talking out of my backside!

It looks as if I am talking out of my backside! According to DigitalSpy :-

"Fame Academy will begin on Saturday 26 July at 6.30pm, with Pop Idol kicking off a fortnight later, Saturday 9 August, at 7pm."

So there you go! Anyway, I'll still be watching Pop Idol...much better in my opinion. Lame Academy just doesn't cut the ice!

So so so so sooooo glad i work Saturday nights. Yippee i'll miss them both

I thought Pop Idol was good - however neither Will or Gareth deserved to win it in my opinion. I preferred Popstars the Rivals, that was good but Pop Idol is much better than Fame Acadamy apparently.

Does anyone know when Pop Idol will begin?

I'm surprised they haven't renamed it Brit Idol (to tie in with American Idol / Australian Idol etc). That way they could do a more general search by not emphasising "Pop".

That reminds me, wasn't Fame Acadamy originally supposed to be a general search as well hence 'Fame' acadamy?

Hmm... I think you're right - they were looking for actors and all sorts.

Maybe that's why they changed the format when ratings dropped and hence most of them couldn't sing.

Why would anyone want to watch Pop Idol??? It's not as though the people on it are ever any good and the bands always end up splitting anyway!
I might watch Fame Academy, though. I didn't watch it last year, but I've heard some good music from the finalists, so I might see if this years contestants are as good!

You are mistaken, Popstars creates the bands, Pop Idol (of which there has only been one series) looks for exactly that, a Pop Idol, in other words a solo artist, ie. Will Young, Gareth Gates, Darius from the last series.

I note Fame Academy is going down the Pop Idol route this time showing some auditions. Also of note, ITV are running Pop Idol promos now, saw one this evening of a staring Simon Cowell (like on the ITV idents) with a caption pointing to his mouth saying "Opening Soon".