Revamped Fame Academy returns

Robin Gibb has had huge success with the Bee Gees

The BBC's talent search Fame Academy is returning to TV screens with a new format, including Bee Gee Robin Gibb as a new tutor.

In the first show viewers will be shown 25 contestants and asked to vote for 13 to take part in the show.

Open auditions have already been held around the country and viewers will also see highlights in the first programme.

Contestants will be put through their paces by a number of tutors, including Gibb.

'Star quality'

The changes come after the debut episode of the first series - when a pre-chosen 12 delivered strictly average performances - was dubbed "Lame Academy" by critics.

The overall winner of the second series will earn a one-year contract with Polydor Records and the chance of a recording career.

The new series is expected to start at the end of July or the beginning of August.

David Sneddon was the first winner

Polydor spokesman David Joseph said the addition of Gibb highlights exactly what the show is meant to be about.

"For 30 years with the Bee Gees, Robin Gibb has performed and written songs," he told BBC News Online.

"He adds credibility and his contribution to the students should be invaluable."

The first series winner David Sneddon, from Glasgow, has enjoyed a hit album and hit singles since claiming his prize last year.

Record votes

Colin Barlow, joint managing director of Polydor said; "The quality of raw talent that we have seen in the auditions is really outstanding, the best I have ever seen.

"The winner will have to display phenomenal musical ability and the star quality to wow their Academy peers and captivate the voting public."

The original Academy tutors will return

The public's chosen 13 "students" will receive training from tutors in a £35m house, in north London, where they will both live and perform for the cameras.

Each week three students have to perform to stay in the house, with the TV audience voting "to save" their favourite.

More than 14 million phone votes in total were cast during the first series of Fame Academy.

The final was watched by 8.2 million viewers and generated 6.9 million votes - making it the highest ever phone poll for a BBC show.