Reality TV stardom could be about to strike for a second time for Roberta Howett.

The Diary can reveal that the stunning blonde singer, who was a finalist on X Factor in 2004, is in the final 20 of TV3's summer reality search Total Xposure.

From Terenure in Dublin, Roberta (26) beat off competition from over 1,000 entrants to make the shortlist for the show which aims to find a new Lorraine Keane for TV3.

Although X Factor didn't turn Roberta into Leona Lewis, she has remained busy touring around Europe. Now, it seems, TV beckons.

A source said, "Roberta really impressed the judges with her easygoing personality and warmth. The fact that she has been through this type of show before has I'm sure helped."

Reports that Brian Dowling could also figure as a finalist in the programme have been discounted by a TV3 insider.

It seems a Dowling win is unlikely as Ballymount bosses fear that such is the Big Brother finalist's impressive on-screen presence, Xposé would be in danger of turning into The Brian Dowling Show.