Popstars: The Rivals

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Sunday - Popstars the Rivals Extra, Sunday ITV2 20:00 - Hayley helps Linzi pack her bags and prepare to leave the girls' house

Monday - Popstars: The Rivals Extra - ITV1 17:05 - Hayley and Dane present the show with Linzi and Louis Walsh in the studio

Friday - Popstars: The Rivals Extra ITV1 17:05 - Hayley and Dane go behind the scenes with the boys as they prepare for Saturday's live show

Friday - Popstars: The Rivals Extra ITV2 20:30 - With footage from the two houses and behind the scenes footage

HAYLEY EVETTS AND DANE BOWERS TO PRESENT ITV2S POPSTARS: THE RIVALS COVERAGE

ITV2 has signed up HAYLEY EVETTS and DANE BOWERS to host its extra Popstars: The Rivals coverage.

Hayley Evetts, a Pop Idol finalist, and Dane Bowers, formerly of R&B outfit Another Level, will front Popstars: The Rivals Extra, giving fans more in-depth programming from the auditions to the culmination in December.

The pair will front the digital channels live Saturday night shows that screen after ITV1s programme. Later in the series, they will interview the shortlisted contestants for ITV2s shows that come from the two Popstars Houses. These additional programmes will feature video diaries made by the finalists themselves in which they reveal all their hopes, fears, clashes, and expectations as the competition progresses.

Hayley Evetts, 26, reached the last five of the Pop Idol contest, and the final 30 of the original Popstars. Her television presenter credits include This Morning, and backstage interviews at The Brits 2002 and the Pop Idol Tour earlier this year.

Hayley said today: "I am so happy to be part of what is a TV phenomenon. Having been involved in Popstars and Pop Idol, I think I have a unique insight into this fantastic event and can help ease some of the singers tensions. Being behind the scenes this time round, I hope to give the performers some sound advice or a shoulder to cry on. And I cant wait to start work on the show with Dane, its going to be huge!"

Twenty-three year old Dane Bowers, currently writing and recording his solo album (previous hits with True Steppers and Victoria Beckham), has also made a considerable impact on the club DJ scene. His television credits include SMTV, CD:uk and MTV.

Dane said today: "Im really looking forward to being involved in Popstars: The Rivals, and working with Hayley. And Im particularly interested in finding out first hand what the contestants are like and what they really think about each other!"

Daniela Neumann, ITV2s Head of Programmes, said: "This is a great double signing for ITV2. With Hayley and Dane fronting our exclusive shows, well be offering viewers an exciting dimension to the Postars: The Rivals experience."

ITV1 and ITV2s coverage begins on Saturday 7 September. Popstars: The Rivals Extra is produced by Rachel Ashdown at Granada.

On Saturday September 7th, the first programme of Popstars:The Rivals will be screened on ITV1, with a programme following on ITV2. It will be the biggest TV talent show since Popstars and Pop Idol. The three judges are Geri Halliwell, Pete Waterman and Louis Walsh.

The show on ITV1 will be presented by Davina McCall, with the ITV2 shows being presented by Hayley Evetts and Dane Bowers.

20 finalists - 10 boys and 10 girls - will be chosen by the judges to join them live in the television studios. From here on, the future of these 20 hopefulls will lie in the hands of the public as TV viewers will decide the fate of the wannabes.

On alternate weeks, the ten boys and ten girls will sing live from the studio with each singer going to a public vote and the least favourite individual being sent home.

After two and a half months, there will be 10 youngsters left - five boys and five girls. Louis Walsh will watch over the five girls, while Pete Waterman will take care of the boys. After a spell in the studio, the two bands' singles will be released in a race to reach the top spot for Christmas.