Nicole Scherzinger is top of the list of targets drawn up by Andrew Lloyd Webber for the judging panel on his new talent show 'Superstar'.

Theatre impresario Webber is moving his succesful search format from the BBC to ITV1 and will be in search of a new actor to play the lead role in a new production of Jesus Christ Superstar, set to tour arenas later in the year.

Lloyd Webber and former lead actor in the musical Steve Balsamo will both appear on the panel and it is believed that Scherzinger is wanted to join them: "Andrew is obsessed with Nicole — he thinks the world of her," a source told The Sun. 

"As soon as he got the nod his new show was going to happen, Nicole was his No1 target.

Adding: "He's got a great working relationship with her and Nicole hugely respects his work." Lloyd Webber ended his association with the BBC after four series of musical talent shows."

'Superstar' is due to start later in 2012.