The programme, which is similar to the British programme Fame Academy and Maria de Filippi’s Amici, is unlikely to go ahead, co-producer and presenter Claudette Pace told The Malta Independent yesterday.

The programme was produced by ClichÈ Media and Entertainment, a company run by Ms Pace and her husband, David.

Speaking to The Malta Independent shortly before issuing an official statement, Ms Pace said it was very upsetting that such a golden opportunity is being taken away from the hundreds of talented Maltese youngsters who were looking forward to participating in the next series.

Chilli Promotions, the producers of Bravi, a similar series which was aired on Super One TV – NET TV’s direct competitor – also said last week that a second series of the programme was near to impossible since they were being asked to pay more than double what was paid last year.

On the other hand, Ms Pace said, L-Isfida’s second series was unlikely because NET TV still owed the producers and lecturers “a lot of money” and they wanted paying before they could agree to run the series for a second year. When asked, Ms Pace did not wish to disclose the amount involved for commercial reasons.

“Last year I had not purchased the air-time but this year I was seriously considering it. However, I could not do so because I am still owed a lot of money. Last year my husband and I were working full time on this programme but now my husband has had to look for a job because it was impossible to run a family without a salary,” she said.

Ms Pace explained that it is not easy to run a series of such stature, especially handling the 178 participants. She said it involved a lot of time, money and sacrifices – adding that the first series had returned a profit.

She added that rather than being upset about the loss of the programme, she felt more sorry for the aspiring youngsters.

“I am disappointed because I know of so many young, promising stars who were looking forward to having this programme to improve their talents. L-Isfida was the perfect programme for exposing new talent. I spent so much time with the kids. I shared so many of their dreams that I get tears in my eyes when I talk about it,” she said.

Talking strictly business, Ms Pace said she has not yet been informed of NET TV’s final decision on the matter but had had a hint when she heard adverts for a new programme on the television station which is being aired on Tuesday evenings, the day when L-Isfida was supposed to be aired this year.

She said that she knew they will be letting down a lot of people, but added that, at the end of the day, money makes the world go round.