Strictly To Compete With X Factor Again

22nd March 2010

0Comments | Comment on this Article

'The X Factor' and 'Strictly Come Dancing' are to go head-to-head in the autumn.

Despite losing millions of viewers to 'The X Factor' last year, bosses at the BBC have decided to once again schedule the dancing programme at the same time as the ITV singing show on a Saturday evening.

We aren't just going to roll over and do what they want us to. We have been running 'Strictly' on Saturday for as long as 'The X Factor'.

A BBC source said: "ITV expect us to back off this year but that's not going to happen.

"We aren't just going to roll over and do what they want us to. We have been running 'Strictly' on Saturday for as long as 'The X Factor'."

Although the shows clashed on the schedules last year, the BBC used to put 'Strictly Come Dancing' on at an earlier time slot - with many viewers complaining when they moved to compete with 'The X Factor'.

However, this year the BBC is upping the stakes with the competition - which was last year won by sports presenter Chris Hollins - with an all-star celebrity cast.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "It's no secret that last year's line-up was a bit low rent."

Other celebrities in the show included 'Hollyoaks' star Ricky Whittle and 'EastEnders' actress Natalie Cassidy.