[bbfan1991]

Strictly Come Dancing will continue to go head-to-head with The X Factor when both shows return to screens later this year, it has been claimed.

The ballroom contest repeatedly clashed with its reality rival on Saturday nights last year after BBC One bosses decided to shift the programme from its usual early evening slot to later in the schedule.

Although the move was criticised at the time, The Sun reports that the arrangement will continue this autumn.

A BBC source told the newspaper: "ITV expect us to back off this year but that's not going to happen. We aren't just going to roll over and do what they want us to."

Strictly lost out to The X Factor in the ratings battle last year, but it is thought that the show's producers are hoping to up the ante by recruiting bigger-name celebrities to dance in the next series.

The insider said: "It's no secret that last year's lineup was a bit low rent.

However, a BBC spokeswoman denied the reports, saying: "This is nothing but speculation. It's far too early to start talking about the next series of Strictly Come Dancing."



Oh dear.