FORMER big name TV stars fed up at being shunted off the airwaves by reality TV shows are hitting back with their own channel, based in Hampshire.

Comedian and musician Richard Digance is managing director of Sound TV, and he is backed by fellow comedians Mike Osman and Jethro.

The Chandler's Ford based channel, which is due to launch at 7pm on February 26, also boasts Who Wants To be A Millionaire presenter Chris Tarrant on its team of executives.

A statement from Sound TV said a "blend of new and experienced entertainers is the vital ingredient" behind its push for ratings.

EastEnders star Shane Ritchie described Sound TV as a "brilliant idea".

Status Quo, Brian Conley, Joe Pasquale, Linda Lusardi, Bobby Davro, Phil Cool, David Copperfield and Rolling Stone Bill Wyman are all advertised to appear, alongside "a host of fresh new talent".

Bosses say the channel will feature children's programming and cartoons made in-house, and the channel will have a London studio.

Shows such as In the Club and the New Variety Show will also be filmed on location at Jethro's Comedy Club in Devon. Other shows already lined up include A Day in the Life of Status Quo.

It's all a long way from an idea born in a barn in Sherfield English, which is where one-time BAFTA nominee Richard Digance is based.

Mr Digance said: "The channel has been two years in the making but I think with the public's tiredness of reality television, we couldn't be hitting the screens at a better time.

"Myself, Mike Osman and Jethro firmly believe there is room for both the established players like ourselves and new talent that have had little or no chance to break on to British TV in the last five years.

"It seems strange to me that a crazy idea that started in a barn in Hampshire is now the most talked about channel in the country."

The free channel will be available to Sky Digital viewers nationwide and the first show will be a special welcome event featuring Mr Digance, Mr Osman and Jethro.

Initially sharing channel 588 with Information TV, Sound TV will eventually become a stand alone, 24-hour operation.