[Arneldo]

BITTER rivals X Factor and Strictly Come Dancing will go head-to-head next week in the biggest TV clash of all time, we can reveal.

The Beeb launches Strictly next Saturday with stars including stunning Kelly Brook and Penny Lancaster.

But cheeky ITV is showing the ‘Judges’ Houses’ episode of talent contest X Factor so it clashes for 45 minutes with the dance show.

And to really put the boot in TWO more episodes will air on Sunday evening, one running alongside Strictly’s new extended results show for 50 minutes.

The battle will divide the telly nation and follows on from last year when the two fought for viewers.

Then Strictly trounced X Factor, forcing it to move to an earlier slot.

This year bosses at X Factor, which boasts Kylie’s sister Dannii Minogue as a judge, are hoping to turn the tables. An ITV1 insider said: “We’ve already got the upper hand as we’ve been on for weeks and have established our audience.

“Our fans are in for a treat next weekend as we’ve got two episodes.

“They cover the singers going to the judges’ homes and the finalists being revealed for the first time.”

But the BBC insists its show will come out on top.

A source said: “X Factor can play their dirty tricks, but in the end it’s the viewer who will lose out as they will have to miss one of the shows, or set their videos.

“We have a terrific line-up and know our audience is loyal to us.

“We refuse to lower ourselves to ITV’s level with a slanging match. Our ratings will speak for themselves.”

The channels declined to comment officially

Sun