Simon Cowell and Lauren Silverman
Simon Cowell blames 'Strictly Come Dancing' producers for 'X Factor' clash.
The music mogul - who returns as a judge on the upcoming series of the ITV talent show after a three year break mentoring on the US version - has revealed he had no say in the decision to broadcast at the same time as the BBC's rival show.
Quizzed on how he felt about the clash, he said: "It happens. I always think that when people do that, the people they are p**sing off are the viewers.
"They say this isn't a ratings battle but it is, that's why they did it. They didn't have to put it on at the same time as us ... they did and it means people now have to make a choice whereas before I think it was more of a gentlemen's type agreement."
The 54-year-old star - who is joined by Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, Mel B and Louis Walsh on the judging panel this year - confessed he thinks producers of the BBC One series are acting maliciously.
Speaking at the 'X Factor' launch at London's Ham Yard Hotel - where the judges sipped on Crystal Head Vodka cocktails - he added: "It just shows, as far as I'm concerned...this is personally speaking ... the producers for what they are. They don't want this show to do well. They don't want people to watch it and our job is to do the best job we can so people prefer X Factor to them."
Tagged in Cheryl Tweedy Mel B Simon Cowell