THE BBC plans to cash in on Michael Jackson mania with an X Factor-style hunt for a dancer who can master the legend’s moves.
And the wannabes could even be judged by one of the late singer’s FAMILY, TV Biz can reveal.
“And given that his family played such a huge part in his life, it makes sense for one of them to be a judge. Jermaine, Janet or LaToya would be brilliant.”
Bosses will kick off a national search for Britain’s best moonwalker and body-popper later this year. And just like the X Factor, contestants will be judged by a panel of industry experts.
The Beeb is desperate to have a talent show to match ITV’s juggernauts The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent.
The show – to be called Move Like Jacko – is still at an early planning stage.
But insiders say execs will try to land one of Jackson’s siblings as a judge – possibly Jermaine, or LaToya, who have both won UK fans on Celebrity Big Brother.
A source said: “People are so passionate about Michael it makes sense to build a talent show devoted to him and his incredible performances.
But the insider revealed hopefuls will NOT have to be able to sing like the King of Pop.
The source said: “Unlike X Factor we’re not really bothered if they can sing like Jacko or not. We want to see them perfecting his dance moves, which let’s face it were highly technical and not easy.
“It won’t just be about the moonwalk – but if you can’t do the moonwalk you’re probably not going to be that much of a Jacko devotee.”
The show will look for dancers of all ages, male or female.
They will be whittled down over a series of shows with the winner likely to get the chance to perform for a paying audience.
A BBC spokesman confirmed yesterday: “We are currently in advanced discussions about commissioning a new entertainment show, which will seek to find Britain’s most talented dancer, who can move like the legendary Michael Jackson.”
The Beeb has been envious of ITV’s Simon Cowell talent shows for years.
It had success with three shows about Andrew Lloyd Webber’s search for new West End stars.
The BBC now hopes its new Jacko idea will tap into some of the X Factor audience.
However it will not go up against it – or Got Talent – and is expected to air sometime in the New Year.
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