Gary Barlow's talent show will launch on the same day as 'The Voice'.

Gary Barlow

Gary Barlow

The BBC are planning to air 'Let It Shine' - which will see judges search for stars for a Take That-themed West End musical - on the first Saturday of 2017, the same day ITV's show will start after the channel outbid the BBC for the rights to the series.

A source said: "Both shows are being shot in the same studios, which is extra-awkward. Gary has even told people that as soon as he found out Let It Shine was up against 'The Voice', the BBC show upped the ante.

"And there's no plan to rule out a 15-minute window where both shows are on."

Despite a possible overlap, 'Let It Shine' - which will feature judges Gary, Martin Kemp, Dannii Minogue and guest panellist Lulu - is expected to start earlier than The Voice's 8pm kick-off time.

But there are concerns about the two shows launching on the same day because such a move may go against a government white paper outlining BBC guidelines which stated any scheduling clashes should consider "the best interest of viewers".

The source added to The Sun newspaper: "The BBC is very sore about losing 'The Voice' and wants to hit back.

"But this is worrying as it ignores what the government has warned it against doing.

"It will plan to go earlier in the evening to get family viewing figures but could finish 15 minutes into when The Voice starts at 8pm."

'The Voice' ran on the BBC for five series until ITV outbid the channel to win a three-year deal to air the show for a reported £12 million.

ITV have brought back Sir Tom Jones, who was axed from the panel by the BBC, as well as will.i.am as coaches for the new-look programme alongside singing superstar Jennifer Hudson and Bush rocker Gavin Rossdale.


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