Could it be you? Redcoat Ellie O Docherty introduces a baby to Butlins' very own Billy Bear (also played by a Redcoat) Credit: Butlins

Camp entertainer could mean a thing or two, but here we're talking about Redcoats, writes Ed Ewing. Jimmy Tarbuck, Cliff Richard, Des O'Connor and Shane Ritchie all started out as Redcoats entertaining the masses at Butlins, "Britain's most famous holiday resort". And now the company is looking for the next generation of holiday entertainers as it launches an X-Factor style search for the country's "top talent".

The company's entertainment executive Mike Godolphin expects to see 1,000 young hopefuls at five separate auditions to be held later this month for 50 new Redcoats. "Most of the Redcoats view the role as a stepping stone into a career in TV, music or the stage," he says, "although a few also progress into a career within childcare."

So what if you actually want to become one? What's in store? And how do you audition?

"Competition will be tough," says Godolphin. "At the audition, Redcoats will be assessed on their singing, dancing and acting skills by a panel of four judges. The day-long auditions will end with all applicants informed of their success, or failure." Ouch.

One in 20 will make the grade, and spend next year at one of the three remaining Butlins resorts. You might be lucky and get sent to Butlins Bognor Regis, relaunched in 1998 by popstar Ronan Keating after a £45m upgrade. Or there's Minehead on the Bristol Channel coastline. Chosen for its "flat landscape" in 1962 the problems with flooding were sorted out by the end of the 1960s, and now it routinely hosts big name stars like Peter Andre and Jordan (book now for Nov 26) and McFly (Nov 24). Or there is Butlins Skegness, the first of Billy Butlin's camps.

So what's the job spec for a modern-day Redcoat? "There are three areas Redcoats work in. General duties, the Kid's Club and the costume character team," John Whybrow, entertainment events manager for Butlins tells me.

General duties are similar to those of a tour rep in a resort, he explains. Think reality show Club Reps - but in Bognor, not Faliraki.

The glitz and glamour side of it comes in the evening when the Redcoats form part of the live entertainment team. Gangshows, X-Factor style game shows and a "celebrity pop academy" are the sorts of things wannabe Redcoats can expect to be starring in.

If you audition now you might be working by Christmas. A six-week training programme in voice, dance, circus skills and production helps new recruits find their way in the first year.

And what's the salary? £12,000 to £14,000 a year, according to the company.

Being a Redcoat is, it seems, a serious business. If you fancy joining the gang then auditions are being held in Cardiff, London, Leeds, Glasgow and Belfast.

And don't worry if you don't quite cut it. Hugely successful comedian Johnny Vegas is just one of many celebs who "didn't make the grade" when he auditioned, brags the Butlins press release. You can imagine what Mr Vegas might have to say about that.