The Voice to go head-to-head with Britain’s Got Talent – Daily TV round-up

The BBC's new talent show 'The Voice' is to go head-to-head with the next series of 'Britain's Got Talent' on ITV, according to reports.

The Beeb had previously chosen a launch date of 24 March for the new series, and now it's believed that Simon Cowell's show will begin on the same date.

The two channels have previously clashed with each other for the coveted Saturday teatime slot, showing 'The X Factor' and 'Strictly Come Dancing' at the same time, which has irritated fans of both shows.

[Related story: Sir Tom Jones to make acting debut]

‘The Voice’, which reportedly cost the corporation £22 million, will see new singing talent judged by Tom Jones, Black Eyed Peas star Will.i.am, Danny O'Donoghue from The Script and Jessie J.

Meanwhile, David Walliams and Alesha Dixon have joined the panel of 'Britain's Got Talent'.

A BBC source told The Sun: “This is typical of ITV, parking their tanks on our lawn just as we launch a major new format. They are smarting because they didn't get the show although they bid £10 million more than us.” [The Sun]

Also in today's press

Bill Oddie says he was ditched from 'Springwatch' over an incident that occurred while filming and not the health issues that were given as the reason at the time. Refusing to give details, he says that an investigation into his behaviour on the show resulted in him being frozen out. A BBC spokesperson said: “Bill’s health and wellbeing has always been an important consideration for us. He has since done several projects with the BBC. We are always open to working with him.” [Daily Telegraph]

Chiselled doctor Christian Jessen from 'Embarrassing Bodies' has said he has to disguise himself with a baseball cap in public after being swamped with people asking for his advice. “I have people coming up to me on the street asking for a diagnosis - it is never ending,” he said. “And now when I'm food shopping, people are checking what I am eating.” [The Sun]

Rita Simons, who plays Roxy Mitchell in 'EastEnders', has said she hates kissing co-star Scott Maslen, who plays Jack Branning. “Scott’s like my big brother and I absolutely freak out every time I have to kiss him,” she said. [The Mirror]