The show that catapulted the likes of Will Young, Gareth Gates, and Michelle McManus to international fame and fortune could be making a comeback.

ITV bosses are reportedly planning a Pop Idol TV special this year to mark 21-years since the iconic reality TV first aired.

And if that goes well, they will 'consider relaunching' the series.

Last year, Will Young, who won the first series of Pop Idol 20 years ago, said the way the TV talent show format had evolved since then made him "really sad and actually quite angry".

He said: "We were very lucky, and I think one of the best things is it was so pure. It was a singing competition, and the public were never duped. They paid money by phoning in. They were the record company and they voted for me to have a record contract.

"They took the power away from the fat cats at the record companies and I will never forget that. They were the ones that gave me a record deal."

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Speaking to the Daily Star about the show’s possible return, an insider said: “With Gladiators and Big Brother returning, it is a no-brainer to bring back another hit."

The reunion show will bring together some of the judges viewers loved to hate – but it’s not yet clear whether Simon Cowell, Pete Waterman, Dr Neil Fox and Nicki Chapman will all appear.

The ITV source said: "There have been talks about a reunion special as a one off - nothing more."