The music programme that hunts Britain for talented, unsigned artists is returning to Channel 4 this autumn and producers are looking for acts to perform in front of a panel experts, including Bournemouth boy made good Alex James.

Blur bassist turned gentleman farmer and cheese-maker James is one of three judges lined up for the second series of Orange unsignedAct, presented by Alex Zane. He will be joined by TV and radio presenter Jo Whiley and head of A&M Records Simon Gavin in a bid to find Britain's most talented band or singer/songwriter.

The nationwide search aims to find artists who write and perform their own original material.

Whether it's rock, indie, or hip-hop, unsigned acts from all genres will be invited to take part for the chance to be mentored and nurtured by music industry experts. The winning act will receive a recording contract with Universal Records.

Staged in collaboration with Orange and Sony Ericsson, the show will be broadcast on T4 and the new music channel, 4music.

To enter the show, bands can upload their tracks and photos at www.orange unsignedact.co.uk Initially 50 bands will be shortlisted to audition.

Just eight bands will be selected for a nationwide tour, performing gigs around the country.