Veronica Schmidt
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TV talent show The X Factor faces a ratings slump this weekend as the new season of Strictly Come Dancing launches.
The BBC One dance programme is to screen between 6.15 and 7.30 on Saturday night, clashing with The X Factor’s 6.45 to 7.45 timeslot on ITV1.
Hosted by Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly, the dance show will feature models Kelly Brook and Penny Lancaster, and sports presenter Gabby Logan and her husband, former Scotland international Kenny Logan.
GMTV presenter Kate Garraway also signed on for the show, but, after injuring both feet during rehearsals, will not dance this weekend. A BBC One spokesperson said it was hoped Garraway would take the floor on next Saturday’s show.
The male contingent will include former soap actors Matt de Angelo and Brian Capron, TV presenter Dominic Littlewood and Eighties footballer John Barnes.
This year viewers' voting powers are restricted. The public vote will determine the least popular dancers but the judges will make the final decision over who is eliminated. The BBC insists the change is designed to increase the show’s drama, and is not a response to recent phone-in scandals.
The fourth series of The X Factor launched last month drawing a record 10.7 million viewers – 2.5 million more than the third series’ launch.
The four judges – Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne, and new recruit Danni Minogue – have finished auditions and are now at bootcamp with the contestants.
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