Popstars returns for third series

Duo Jemini flopped at the Eurovision Song Contest

The Popstars talent show is to return for a third series, hoping to uncover the next big musical act.

One of the formats being considered is a search for a boy-girl duo, instead of the usual five-piece group.

The last series of the ITV1 show brought together both Girls Aloud and One True Voice, pitting them head-to-head in the singles charts.

Girls Aloud won the battle, while One True Voice failed to set the pop world alight and split up within a year.

Hear'Say, the group formed by the winners of the first series, also had a tough time, initially storming the charts but struggling to maintain their popularity.

They finally disbanded in 2002 after less than two years together.

Disillusion

A Granada spokesman said Popstars: Boy Meets Girl was one of several ideas being considered.

Duos are rare in today's pop scene. Eurovision entrants Jemini are among the most memorable of recent times, largely due to their dismal performance at the competition when they scored "nil points".

No judges have yet been announced, but it is thought Pete Waterman will no longer take part following his disillusion with the TV talent show format.

He refused to hide his disappointment when Scottish singer Michelle McManus won the final of last year's Pop Idol, for which he was a judge.