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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I totally disagree with Hayden. I feel that X Factor is just a duplicate of Pop Idol where viewers see a bunch of wannabes trying to win a contract off Simon Cowell. It might be suitable for teenagers, but what about the other people in the family ("Strictly" boosts people of all ages initiation to go and learn dance and get fit(isn't that good for the body?))..... thus making Strictly Come Dancing a much family friendlier programme and getting better ratings
I am basing this comment on the content of the shows and the videos of both programme not because i am a hard core fan of "Strictly".
Kristine Ng, Hong Kong, China
The X Factor is way better than Strictly Come Dancing. Teenagers don't want to see classic dancing so we got with the best and that is THE X FACTOR. We don't care if it is up against Strictly because i know who is going to get all the ratings THE X FACTOR. Carry it on X Factor
Hayden Ellis, Birmingham, UK