UK

Tune into Political Idol to vote for the next Prime Minister

By team ⋅ March 27, 2008 ⋅  Email this post ⋅  Print this post ⋅ Post a comment

The Times, 1st February

The BBC have acquired the rights to a new ‘political idol’ talent search which is aimed to discover the next generation of political leaders. New Simon Cowell-style judges consisting of Former Cabinet ministers and political commentators will preside over The Next Great Leader. The show will be similar in format to its successful counterpart in Canada, where candidates were faced with a daunting four former prime ministers.

Michael Portillo is tipped to be one of the panellists in the BBC Entertainment series. It is expected to run throughout the next general election and contestants, aged between 18 and 25 are asked to produce a video manifesto for making Britain a safer, stronger and more prosperous place. The competition will culminate in a live presidential-style debate in which four remaining candidates are quizzed on economics, social policy, the environment and the moral standards expected of world leaders. Stage presence and charisma will also be tested.

The BBC hopes that the series will climax in a nationwide public vote, endorsing its stated intention to promote ‘citizenship’ among the youth of today. The Pop Idol format involves a high level of audience interaction, allowing viewers to vote for their favorite contestants.  In 2001, three times as many people aged 18 to 24 voted in the final of Pop Idol than voted in the last general election.

Michael Rodrigue, chief executive of Distraction, the BBC’s independent producer, said: ‘The Next Great Leader is the best example of reality prime time programming that not only entertains, but educates viewers to the challenges our leaders are facing, and the necessity to develop the leaders of the future.’