The show's winner will get a �1m record deal

They were responding to newspaper claims that the BBC was giving up on the show and looking for a new format.

A BBC spokesman said: "There is no truth in the story. It is far too early to even think about another series as we are only mid-way through this one."

The denial came as a BBC executive said interest in reality TV was "starting to fade".

BBC director of factual programmes John Willis made the comments while launching BBC One's first new documentary strand in 15 years, One Life.

Mr Willis was remarking on the current trend for the reality genre with shows such as Wife Swap and Big Brother.

"The interest in reality TV is starting to fade and people want real reality," he told the Daily Telegraph.

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Fame Academy slips between two genres, reality TV and talent show, and competes against programmes such as ITV1's Pop Idol in the ratings.

Following the first series there was constant speculation that it would not be back, but following the success of Celebrity Fame Academy, a second series was recommissioned and moved to a Saturday.

Tough subjects

Despite a slow start, it has picked up in the ratings with more six million viewers tuning in to Sunday night's edition to see Barry McKeever lose his place in the academy.

A BBC spokesman said: "We are really pleased with the way the current series is going."

The One Life series will focus on human-interest stories including alcoholism through the eyes of a young girl, bullying and delinquency.

Mr Willis said: "I think these are rather tough subjects. If we just wanted a big audience, you wouldn't say alcoholics were a popular subject.

"We're not talking about crime, sex or celebrities here - the holy trinity of documentary making. I think there should be a bit of credit for choosing a tough subject."

BBC One controller Lorraine Heggessey said she was keen to bring more documentaries to the channel, admitting documentary-makers automatically took their films to BBC Two.