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JOHANNESBURG -- South African pay TV channel M-Net, which brought reality TV to the country last year with its successful local production of "Big Brother," has secured the rights to produce a local version of British hit "Pop Idol," a reality show/talent search for a new star.

"Pop Idol" has been a hit for ITV in Blighty, with more than 10,000 entrants and 8 million viewers.

The next big thing?

" 'Big Brother' has indelibly changed the TV landscape in South Africa, and everyone wants to know what's next," said M-Net CEO Glen Marques. "The only answer to that question is bigger, better and brighter."

Last week the channel started advertising for contestants between 16 and 30 years old, and it's being inundated with calls. Web plans to bow "Idols" March 10, soon after the British version ends its run.