Simon Cowell has announced he’s ditched the much-anticipated All Stars version of X Factor, in favour of a new show to rival Little Mix’s upcoming talent search.
Last month, it was announced that Simon’s former protegés were working on a new show searching for the UK’s next big pop group.
In a new interview with The Sun, Simon said he is now planning to launch X Factor The Band, suggesting he came up with the idea for his show first.
“This is what really happened. I was approached to co-produce that show last year by Little Mix’s management,” he told the tabloid.
“I told them the problem was we have a conflict of interest because we are launching X Factor The Band in 2020. We were told their show was going to launch in 2021.
“Then we had the fallout and find out Little Mix were bringing their show forward. Was that intentional because we are doing our show? I have no idea.
“But regardless, it was too much fun not to do this year. I would rather it was us doing it first.”
HuffPost UK has contacted the BBC – who will air Little Mix’s talent show – for comment.
Simon’s new show will see the creation of one girl group and one boy band, which we can’t help but feel sounds a little bit like Popstars: The Rivals but… we’re sure they’re completely different shows.
The All Stars version of The X Factor was due to see a number of memorable former contestants return to the stage including Alexandra Burke, Fleur East and Ray Quinn.
X Factor The Band is set to air on ITV later this year, with the live final apparently falling the same week as the UK general election, while Little Mix The Search will debut on BBC One in early 2020.