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Cowell pokes fun at Strictly Come Dancing

Simon Cowell has suggested that the BBC move 'Strictly Come Dancing' to the afternoon because the show's fans are "older" than those who watch 'The X Factor'.
1 of 1 Cowell - Wants to avoid a clash with Strictly Come Dancing
Cowell - Wants to avoid a clash with Strictly Come Dancing

According to The Sun, Cowell said: "I'd suggest they show 'Strictly' a bit earlier in the afternoon because their audience is older."

"I'm serious. Then they can have a nap if it finishes at six and watch 'X Factor' later."

Cowell said that he felt it was unfair to television viewers to have both shows scheduled at around the same time.

He said: "If X Factor and Strictly are first and second, why would you want to put them on at the same time? It's not fair on licence fee payers."

"We don't pay the licence fee for people to play games with ratings."

"It is childish and pathetic. We gave the BBC a choice last year about different time slots but they have this obsession with competing with us."

A BBC spokesperson said: "We're happy to discuss the scheduling, but as far as we're aware it is ITV boss Peter Fincham and not Simon Cowell who makes this decision so it would be best that we talk with him."

"Any decisions we make will be taken with licence fee payers' best interests at heart."

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