Glee Sky1 searches for a new star of Glee

Imagine being offered the chance to try out for a leading role in your favourite TV show. That's the amazing opportunity up for grabs in Sky1's The Glee Project, a new X Factor-style show in which budding young actors compete for a seven-episode guest role in the next series of Glee.

Almost 40,000 would-be singers and dancers initially auditioned for the talent show and were then whittled down to just a dozen by a panel of judges made up of Zach Woodlee, Robert Ulrich and Nikki Anders, Glee's choreographer, casting director and vocal coach respectively.

Over the course of the series, viewers will see the candidates face a series of themed challenges designed to showcase and develop their skills. At the end of each session, the whole group then appear together in a music video, after which the three weakest performers are called on to deliver a solo performance for the show's creator, Ryan Murphy, who chooses who should leave that week.

TV&Satellite Week magazinecaught up with Zach Woodlee to find out more...

What do you think will appeal to viewers about The Glee Project?
"I think the appeal is getting to know a character who will be on Glee as a real person. It takes a while for you to warm up to any character and jumping into the third season of a show this big it can only help if you already have people who identify with you."

What are you looking for?
"Honesty and vulnerability and that 'it' factor. All the kids in the final 12 have something about them and will go far whether or not this is their moment. Our cast have already done close to 250 numbers in two seasons, so we need someone who can learn fast, be up to speed and professional. We also need consistency, so we had to be brutally honest with those who didn't come up to scratch each week."

So they don’t have to be the best singer or dancer?
"Oh no. That is why Glee works; everyone has their own strong suit and it becomes a package deal. Some of the dancing talent was wonderful, but vocally maybe a little flat. Some of the vocal strength that ended up getting into the top 12 is not like Tina or Mercedes in the show; they don't have powerhouse voices, but they are identifiable and you feel for them and you want them to do well."

What challenges do you give them?
"It is exactly what we do on the show, but in less time. We could have something based on duets and being compatible with someone and sharing camera because a lot of it is team work. I think the challenges are very fair and I think it is a crash course to get them ready for what they really get into."

What have they found toughest?
"The hours. On Glee we work a minimum of 12 hours a day so if you are not shooting or rehearsing lines, then you are at a pre-record or are rehearsing dancing. They are constantly working. I think it was a big shock for the contenders. They thought, 'Oh my gosh, they really do work this much'."

Was there a lot of rivalry between them?
"For the most part there was an extreme warmth within the group, but people bicker. There were a couple of mis-steps, but that just happens when you are with a group of people for so long and living with them. It never became cut-throat, but there was a lot of tension."

Some of the current cast appear as guest judges on the show. How do they feel about getting a new co-star?
"Well, they come in to judge our homework challenges and have some one-on-one time with the contenders to talk about how they cope with the pressures of the show. They have all started to get their favourites and are really excited and on board."

Is it true the winner will become Sue's nemesis?
"I have heard those rumours as well! All I know is the winner gets to be in seven episodes, but it doesn't necessarily mean they are joining New Directions. It could be that they develop a whole new type of Glee club like Vocal Adrenaline or The Warblers."

The Glee Project starts with a double-bill on Wednesday July 13 at 8pm on Sky1.