SIMON COWELL - COWELL PLANS 'POP IDOL MOVIE'

X-Factor chief Simon Cowell is planning a movie inspired by the successful talent shows he has launched in the US and the UK.

The project, tentatively titled Star Struck, will follow ten would-be popstars as they attempt to win a Pop Idol style show.

Speaking to the Hollywood Reporter, Cowell said: "We want it to be the musical version of Rocky - an underdog story, a feel-good film.

"We always believed that a TV show like Idol would be successful. I have the same feeling about doing the movie."

The casting for the film is set to be in a similar mould to the talent shows themselves, with nationwide open call auditions for the ten leads.

"To enjoy the film, you've got to watch the actors and believe that they are contestants on a reality show," Cowell added.

The X-Factor judge will be present at the auditions is the same way he is for the actual audition shows.

And like with American Idol and X-Factor, clips from the auditions will begin the movie - with some sure to be entertaining for a number of reasons.