Michael McIntyre has reportedly accused Simon Cowell of copying his show format.
Simon Cowell
The 42-year-old comedian is said to be at "loggerheads" with the music mogul because he believes the 58-year-old television judge's new programme 'The Greatest Dancer', which will launch next year, is too similar to a segment - The Unexpected Star - on his series 'Michael McIntyre's Big Show'.
A source told the Daily Star Online: "It's all very embarrassing.
"Michael knows Simon well because he was a judge on 'Britain's Got Talent' but now they're at loggerheads over this. Michael was not happy. The similarities between The Unexpected Star and 'The Greatest Dancer' are simply uncanny.
"Michael might think Simon's show is a copy but in fact this surprise stunt is not new to telly and has been used in various shows over the years."
'The Greatest Dancer' will see performers show off their talents to a panel of people, while the real judges - Cheryl and Ashley Banjo - will be watching on from backstage.
The judges will then be given the chance to hit a button if they like the act.
A BBC spokesperson has confirmed 'The Greatest Dancer' is still scheduled to go ahead next year but they're yet to confirm the format following the successful pilot.
The broadcaster said in a statement to The Sun newspaper: "'The Greatest Dancer' will go ahead but the format has yet to be confirmed. The pilot show contained a surprise element but it is a format that's in development."
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