Following the success of Idols 1 and 2, pay TV operator M-Net is to present the spectacular World Idol, scheduled for broadcast throughout Africa on December 24 at 20h00. This will be followed by the thrilling final results show's live recording on New Year's Day, and broadcast on M-Net on January 7, 2004.

Today, FremantleMedia and 19TV - the two London-based companies who have successfully rolled-out their smash-hit entertainment format Idols to over 20 countries around the world - confirmed the production of World Idol, the spectacular search to find the ultimate world pop superstar.

Now, in an unmissable two-part special, the winners from completed first series in each country will step up on to the world stage and battle it out to be crowned the planet's biggest pop sensation! The international competition will be staged in London and broadcast to participating countries, who will each vote to decide the overall winner.

Immediately after the first World Idol broadcast on December 24, telephone lines will be open for 24 hours for South African audiences to vote for favourite World Idol. Heinz Winckler, winner of Idols, South Africa, will be among the contestants.