Ant and Dec have proved popular with young audiences

Live and Kicking was dropped after failing in the ratings war against ITV's Saturday morning show SM:TV Live, hosted by Ant and Dec.

A spokeswoman for the new series said: "It's going to be a really new, fresh and funky format with a completely new style of set.

"It will be a complete departure from what has been on before."

Nationwide hunt

Although no presenters have yet been revealed, the nationwide search for a house band is due to begin.

The hunt aims to put together a group of musicians, aged between 18 and 25, to play on the show every week.

Management company Byrne Blood, who have worked with Steps, A1 and Dane Bowers, are co-ordinating the hunt.

The company's Tim Byrne said: "We are looking for live musicians to form a cutting edge band.

Zoe Ball hosted the show in its heyday

"No dancing boy or girl bands please. Do you want to be the next Travis, Catatonia or Wheatus?"

More details about the requirements needed to be in the band can be found at www.bbc.co.uk/talent.

Live and Kicking was dropped after eight years after struggling to compete with ITV despite a relaunch with a new team of presenters including Blue Peter's Katy Hill.

It was the first time in many years that the BBC's Saturday morning show had less viewers than its rivals.

Live & Kicking's most popular period was in 1996 when hosted by Zoe Ball and Jamie Theakston but ratings fell when they both quit.