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Simon Cowell has a paddy about Strictly schedule

Source: Sky News

Strictly Come Dancing and X Factor are set to clash in the TV schedules for the second year running and Simon Cowell isn’t happy.

The music mogul has ranted at the BBC for putting Strictly at the same time as The X Factor on Saturdays and Sundays. Cowell, 50, has argued it is the wrong move for two of the most popular shows on television to be shown simultaneously.
He’s also mocked the Beeb’s more senior Strictly audience by suggesting it should go out around 5pm, so they can rest after it’s over.
“I would suggest they put it on a bit earlier in the afternoon because their audience is older. I am being serious. Then they can have a nap afterwards if it finishes at six,” Cowell quipped. Last year Simon admitted his mother complained about the schedule clash.
“This is nothing more than being pathetic, childish and doing a disservice to people who pay the licence fee,” he said.
“We don’t pay the licence fee for people to play games with ratings. It is completely and utterly wrong.
“We gave them the choice last year about time slots but they have this obsession with competing with us.”
However, a BBC spokeswoman claimed ITV made no attempt last year to discuss Saturday night scheduling.
Strictly was regularly beaten by X Factor when they went head to head last year.
The X Factor final got 19.1 million viewers while 11 million watched the concluding episode of Strictly.

  • http://Strictlycomedancing Ann

    I watch Strictly, and the X Factor! Has no one heard of recording? I watch Strictly and record X Factor as I do not like having to watch all the adverts which interrupt the show!!!

  • sara

    What a load or rubbish Simon, it has a really wide audience & I dont see why it should move to suit you. Grow up & if you dont like it move your own show.
    I agree with Ann, if you want to watch both, record one of them!! I personally cant stand X factor, so no loss to me ;)

  • shirley

    i think that simon cowell should grow up and stop dictating people to watch x factor people know their own mind and will watch what they want

  • Willem

    What a nasty and bitter man Simon Cowell is. Personally I am so over talent shows like X-factor… I rather pour vinegar in my eyes than ever watch one again. Let’s face it: all the talent has been found. There really isn’t anyone left out there who hasn’t been discovered (and discarded after the first album!) yet. And all the talent that is discovered -Susan Boyle excepted- all comes from the same tired mould. Give me the stumbling celebs of Strictly any day over any of Simon Cowell’s industrially produced short-lived talents.

  • Steph

    People do work on a Saturday!! I like getting home and putting my feet up with my daughters to watch Strictly. If it was on earlier it would be difficult to catch. People are also coming in from shopping and getting meals ready, I thought the timing last year was perfect. X-Factor is repeated so many times through the week it’s not necessary to watch the Saturday night slot!!

  • Nix

    I would rather stick pins in my eyes than watch any of the rubbish that Simon Cowell churns out. Welcome back Strictly, I can’t wait!!!

  • Lynn Knowler

    I think that Simon Cowell should keep his big mouth shut, he is no spring chicken and will soon catch us “oldies”! up – who wants to watch his egotistical programme anyway!!

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