Gary Barlow set for Take That-themed show as ‘very sore’ BBC plans rival to go up against The Voice
BBC chiefs were gutted when they lost the rights for hit show The Voice to rivals ITV – and now want revenge.
I’ve learned bosses aim to launch their new TAKE THAT-themed talent show Let It Shine on the same day as ITV’s new series, sparking a ratings war.
There is a chance the shows could overlap for 15 minutes or more, causing even more of a nightmare for viewers.
The move goes against the Government’s guidelines that have warned the BBC from chasing “ratings for ratings’ sake” or “playing copycat” with rival channels’ shows.
An ITV insider revealed: “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."
BBC execs knew ITV would launch on the first Saturday of the new year and they think judge GARY BARLOW will help them gain ratings.
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“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.”
In the Government’s white paper outlining the BBC’s future, ministers said scheduling clashes should be made only with “the best interest of viewers” in mind, and bosses should consider the “potential negative impacts”.
ITV won the rights to The Voice by out-bidding the Beeb to win a three-year deal costing £12million per series.
It has brought back SIR TOM JONES as a judge after he was axed from the BBC’s final series.
He will be joined by WILL.I.AM, JENNIFER HUDSON and DAISY LOWE’s dad, BUSH singer GAVIN ROSSDALE, when the show starts on January 7.
Let It Shine sees panellists Gary, MARTIN KEMP and DANNII MINOGUE search for stars for the Take That-themed West End musical. LULU will feature as a guest judge.
It's hardman Danny crier
THIS isn’t a sight you see every day – DANNY DYER crying.
My exclusive pictures show the hardman EastEnders geezer breaking down within the first ten minutes of BBC family history show Who Do You Think You Are?.
And it’s not because he found out he is related to his arch nemesis MARK WRIGHT.
Danny wept after learning his great-great-gran hid her dead baby in a bucket.
During the episode, which airs on November 24 at 8pm, Danny says: “When you hold your own newborn in your arms, it’s such a vulnerable little thing. It makes me feel sick, the idea of a baby dying. I came into this thinking I’d be quite detached – but it goes deeper.”
You wouldn’t catch his East-Enders character Mick Carter welling up like that.
Nic's in bloom
WITH autumn turning miserable, NICOLE SCHERZINGER is clearly pining for the tropics.
The X Factor judge wore a white frock, and flowers behind her ear, to the LA premiere of Disney flick Moana on Monday night.
But she won’t be happy after RYLAN CLARK-NEAL blamed her on This Morning for the X Factor exit of SAM LAVERY.
The Xtra Factor host said Nic intervened in SHARON OSBOURNE’s decision to send Sam home on Sunday.
Asked by HOLLY WILLOUGHBY why Sharon made the call, he said: “It’s more Nicole.”
He’ll now have some explaining to do.
Numpty jumpty show
WITH all its bone-breaking injuries, it’s amazing Channel 4 has found anyone to appear on the new series of The Jump.
It is no wonder its first list of contestants, unveiled yesterday, reads like an A-to-Z of reality TV veterans.
SPENCER MATTHEWS, who has appeared in Made in Chelsea, The Bachelor and I’m A Celeb – albeit briefly – will be risking life and limb in the winter sports competition.
He has been warned off other reality shows after brother James’s engagement to PIPPA MIDDLETON.
But Kensington Palace officials have given him the green light after MIKE TINDALL, who is married to THE QUEEN’s granddaughter ZARA PHILLIPS, took part last year.
Spencer will be joined by ex-model and keen skier CAPRICE, who has appeared on Celebrity Big Brother and Project Catwalk.
Welsh rugby player GARETH THOMAS, who has competed on CBB and Dancing On Ice, will take part, as will ex-England rugby ace JASON ROBINSON and former England footballer ROBBIE FOWLER – a perfect fit having spent much of his career out injured.
On previous series, Olympic gymnast BETH TWEDDLE had to have neck surgery and OLA JORDAN suffered a serious knee injury.
Channel 4 will be hoping for better luck this time.
SOAPBOX
A FURIOUS Diane threatens Chrissie with a shotgun in tonight’s EMMERDALE.
Terrified Chrissie breaks down and confesses she’s frightened of her son – but she’s unaware Lachlan is secretly taping her.
In CORONATION STREET a devastated Kirk confirms Maria has been charged with murder.
Meanwhile, Adam Barlow makes his big return to the cobbles.
He’s back to comfort his grandad Ken, who suffered a stroke, and wastes no time in causing trouble.
Adam has sold his shares in the factory and Johnny and Aidan are miffed when he strolls into the office to help himself to a drink.
This lot aren’t set to be firm friends.