Auditions are about to get under way to select six male and six female teachers who will strut their stuff in swimsuits in a half-hour show to be screened in August.

Viewers will then vote for their favourites, with the sexiest going forward into a final to compete with the sexiest from five other professions. Teachers will be able to nominate any colleagues they fancy to compete for the title of Britain’s Sexiest, as will pupils.

Carlton Television plans to screen six shows at 10.30pm every night of the week from August 26. They will also feature firefighters, doctors and nurses, fitness instructors, builders and plumbers, and airline cabin crew.

A 60-minute final will be broadcast live on September 1 in which viewers will vote for their overall choice as Britain’s Sexiest male and female workers.

In addition to the swimsuit competition, the contestants will be interviewed live and a hidden camera will record their encounters when they meet each other backstage. Viewers will also be given the chance to see the contestants’ video diaries of themselves at work and enjoying themselves at home.

A Carlton spokesman said: “We aim to give an all round view of each personality and offer our viewers the chance to decide which guy and girl is the sexiest.

“I wouldn’t like to say how sexy British workers are, but we are expecting a good response from the public. We will be advertising for contestants in regional newspapers across the country and anyone is welcome to nominate themselves or a colleague.”

Anyone who fancies their chances will be able to take part in auditions organised by Carlton across the country this month. Apply by email to: Britainssexiest@carltontv.co.uk