IF you still need to be convinced of darts return to popularity just grab the television remote control.

As well as more and more top quality tournaments on the box the world of show business is also keen to get involved.

Jim Bowen's legendary Bullseye programme is regularly repeated on channel Challenge and has recently been reproduced not so well in my opinion with Dave Spikey.

Now another programme is about to grace our screens Showbiz Darts!

The brand new series will also be on cable and satellite channel Challenge. As well as featuring two of the best known characters in darts Andy Fordham and Bobby George it will be staged at the home of world darts', the Lakeside Country Club.

And darts fans from the south are being invited to Frimley Green to make up the audience for one or two sessions while the programme is being filmed.

Eight celebrities will be split into two teams of four, captained by non-playing The Viking' Fordham and The King of Bling' George and will compete on the famous oche.

The series will be aired exclusively on Challenge in October and hosted by the National Lottery's Sarah Cawood.

The celebrities will be mentored and coached by their famous darting captains over 15 half-hour episodes.

Lakeside World Champion of 2004 Andy, and two times runner-up Bobby, will train' their celebrities in very different venues. Andy will be based at the pub which he and wife Jenny run in Dartford The Rose and Bobby will have an open house at the magnificent George Hall, near Colchester.

"We have a dartboard in the pub plus lots of darts players of different ages and abilities", said Andy. "It will be a bit like The Apprentice but I won't be looking to fire any celebrities."

Bobby George is equally determined: "I have all the training facilities needed at George Hall, including my own games room and bar," he said.

Showbiz Darts will be recorded in two sessions at the Lakeside Country Club on Thursday, July 20.

The afternoon session costs £5, the evening £7.50 or £10 for both. Details from the Lakeside on 01252 836464. Early booking advised.

All the usual food and refreshments will be available and Showbiz Darts will provide a unique opportunity for darts and celebrity fans to experience the wonderful darts atmosphere of Lakeside and also be part of the TV audience.