It's war as Strictly and X Factor go head to head

Thu Sep 10 12:16PM by TV Editor

Stictly Come Dancing's Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly

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The new series of Strictly Come Dancing hasn't even started yet, but the gloves are already off in the ratings war between the show and ITV's The X Factor.

ITV has accused the BBC of 'aggressive' scheduling after it emerged that the first Saturday night edition of Strictly Come Dancing will go head to head with the rival show.

Strictly Come Dancing will be broadcast from 7.25pm to 9.05pm on Saturday 19 September, while The X Factor will be shown from 8.00pm until 9.15pm on ITV1 - meaning that the two shows overlap for 65 minutes.

An ITV source said about the decision: "It is disappointing that they are effectively splitting the audience - both shows have previously been pretty much complementary. Given that millions of people enjoy both shows this seems to be a very aggressive and competitive scheduling decision."

During previous series of the shows, the broadcasters have usually avoided scheduling them against each other, allowing fans to watch both.

A BBC spokesperson said: "Strictly and X Factor have successfully co-existed on Saturday night for many years. This year is no different. There is even more choice for viewers with Strictly launching on Friday with an X Factor results show on Sunday."

The new series of Strictly Come Dancing kicks off on BBC One next Friday at 8.30pm.

To be honest, we can't see what all the fuss is about. Surely anyone who wants to see both will simply watch one and record the other to watch later? But let us know what you think...

- Read profiles of the Strictly Come Dancing contestants

- More TV: What's on later? | The X Factor | Strictly Come Dancing

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User comments

  • (1)

    i would choose strictly over x-factor any day!

    Posted by: butler478 on Thu Sep 10 01:24PM | Report abuse
  • (2)

    Bunch of Clowns, must be vying for a place in the Labour Party

    Posted by: brendabulmer34 on Thu Sep 10 01:25PM | Report abuse
  • (3)

    Since Arlene has been sacked, I shall be watching the X Factor. If Arlene had still been there, I would have watched Strictly. I guess BBC have deliberately decided to clash in the hope of winning back a few disgruntled viewers. I think they will lose out even more. Well done BBC for shooting yourself in the foot - again!

    Posted by: tredree.family on Thu Sep 10 01:26PM | Report abuse
  • (4)

    Poor old ITV - they've really got their knickers in a twist, over this one. Haven't they?

    Posted by: dave.fleming on Thu Sep 10 01:27PM | Report abuse
  • (5)

    xfactor we will be watching, steve joy from swansea

    Posted by: stephenjones4711 on Thu Sep 10 01:28PM | Report abuse
  • (6)

    Is the X Factor worried that they will loose the ratings war bring it on strictly im not biased really im not

    Posted by: wendy_196386 on Thu Sep 10 01:29PM | Report abuse
  • (7)

    No contest I'll be watching Strictly! X Factor is usually shown again on Sunday if I can be bothered to watch.

    Posted by: eileendixon797 on Thu Sep 10 01:31PM | Report abuse
  • (8)

    we have sky plus so we can record both and watch something else at the same time noo problem

    Posted by: sylviaofe on Thu Sep 10 01:33PM | Report abuse
  • (9)

    I WILL BE WATCHING X-FACTOR

    Posted by: foni on Thu Sep 10 01:35PM | Report abuse
  • (10)

    Both programmes are unwatchable, but I've got to say it's typical of the BBC, a publicly funded publlic service organisation, playing games as if it was really in commercial competition. BBC are a bunch of spiteful children. Take away the licence fee and make them work for their money like everyone else has to.... the house of commons excepted of course!!

    Posted by: peterallen500 on Thu Sep 10 01:36PM | Report abuse