The lads in UK based boyband One Direction are set to help former X Factor mentor Simon Cowell launch his new online talent show, 'You Generation', later this week.

Billed as "the world's first global audition channel", the project will span an impressive 26 countries over the space of a year, with 26 fortnightly contests.

One Direction will give a live-stream interview on Wednesday, March 20 to help introduce 'You Generation'.

Will Best, former T4 presenter, is confirmed to front the YouTube orientated show and will share behind-the-scenes videos from Syco along with other audition footage, and he will announce bi-weekly contest categories via Skype with Cowell.

A spokesperson from Syco explained that "the channel offers people with unconventional and original talents the opportunity to have their talent recognised by the world and become the next internet star."

Watch the music mogul talk about 'You Generation' here: