Simon Cowell wants ITV to nick 'The Voice'.

Simon Cowell

Simon Cowell

The 'X Factor' boss is keen for the network to snap up rights to the BBC One show after ITV secured Talpa Media, which makes the talent show, for in excess of £780million but admits it would be "a bit unfair" since the BBC has worked hard to create a good show.

He said: "It's a tricky one but ITV own it now and I'm guessing if you've bought it you'd want to put it out. If it goes out as it is now on ITV then I don't see a problem.

"It would be a bit unfair on the BBC because they have made it a good show."

The music mogul - who has a long-running feud with the BBC - thinks the corporation made a "mistake" by not telling Sir Tom Jones he was going to be replaced by Boy George.

He told the Daily Star on Sunday newspaper: "The mistake they made was they thought if it leaked it was going to be an issue. They thought they had to keep it a secret with the Boy George announcement.

"And they didn't need to. They could have just said to Tom, 'You know what, time's up'. He's come out of it well. He was dignified."

BBC currently have the rights for 'The Voice' for one more series.