[Red Moon]

COWELL WANTS TO BUY STRICTLY

X Factor boss Simon Cowell is desperate to buy rival show Strictly Come Dancing and add it to his showbiz empire.

Strictly judge Bruno Tonioli, who has become pals with Cowell, said: "He hasn't discussed money with me but he recognises it's a great show and he would love it as part of his empire."

Cowell, 49, couldn't hide his disgust when X Factor lost out to Strictly at the National Television Awards last month.

The music tycoon ranted: "It's bad enough losing but losing to that lot is a nightmare. I'm really p***ed off.

"Strictly Come Dancing p***es me off more than anything."

But Bruno reckons that behind the bluster Cowell secretly yearns to take over the show and reap the rewards.

Bruno, 52, said: "Simon knows that Strictly sells well around the globe.

"It's one of the top selling shows in the world and so Simon wants a piece of it for himself.

"If he did take over I don't even think he would change anything about it as he loves it the way it is now.

"I know he watches the show. I watch X Factor.

"It's healthy that there is competition between us. It's like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, we both want to be number one." Strictly's format has been sold to almost 40 countries worldwide, including Japan and India. Bruno is also a judge on the US version, known as Dancing With The Stars, which is filmed on the same Hollywood set as Cowell's American Idol.

In Britain, BBC1's Strictly pulled in 9.6million viewers last week to X Factor's 10.2million on ITV.

Bruno said: "I hate losing out in the ratings to X Factor but I think this year has a lot to do with Simon's new signing - Cheryl Cole.

"It really is the perfect casting. It doesn't surprise me that she brings a whole new slice of the public to the show.

"She's actually stealing the show from Simon. I love her for doing that. But I don't like her for helping to beat us in the ratings."

Bruno joked: "Strictly could benefit from having someone young and sexy like her on the judging panel but not if it means replacing me."

Last night, Cowell laughed off any suggestion he was bidding for Strictly Come Dancing.

BRUNO'S VERDICT ON THE STARS

JODIE KIDD

Good at ballroom and with her holds. She feels safe with her partner Ian. On her own she is a bit heavy and gangly.

LISA SNOWDON

What a fabulous girl. I think she's really great. Her ballroom is very good but her Latin certainly needs working on.

AUSTIN HEALEY

Amazing that a sportsman can dance like he does, despite a few stumbles. He has a twinkle in his eyes and is very sexy.

JOHN SERGEANT

Give it up! Amazing character and an asset to the show. If he can dance, then anyone can and it's good to show that.

RACHEL STEVENS

She has great timing and is very consistent. Cannot rest on her laurels, though, and really needs to surprise the public.

CHERIE LUNGHI

Fantastic at ballroom but the Latin is not so good. Doesn't get into character with the Latin. Surprising as she is an actress.

TOM CHAMBERS

He is very good and very keen. Wants it badly. Puts a lot of work in and has the smell of the trophy, but will he get it?

CHRIS BLEAKLEY

Holding her own but is not as good as some of the other girl contestants. Needs to come out of herself a bit more.

Source:Sunday People