'The Voice' coach will.i.am has played down a potential ratings battle between the show and 'The Greatest Dancer'.
Will.i.am
The Black Eyed Peas rapper - who will be joined on the panel by Olly Murs, Jennifer Hudson and Sir Tom Jones when the singing competition returns this weekend - has dismissed the idea of a ratings battle between the BBC's new programme and the ITV singing show when they go head-to-head on Saturday night (05.01.18), because they are at different stages.
He told The Sun newspaper: "Is it an ultimate battle? It would be a battle if it was around for a long time. It's like boxer Floyd Mayweather can never fight Mike Tyson, because they're two different weight classes."
Simon Cowell's new show 'The Greatest Dancer' launches its first series this weekend, with Cheryl, Oti Mabuse and Matthew Morrison taking the roles of dance captains.
Olly - who previously won and later hosted 'The X Factor' - has suggested the "pressure" is all on the newcomer to the airwaves.
'The Voice' first launched on the Beeb back in 2012 before switching channels to ITV in 2017, with the singer insisting its longevity will be a boost.
He added: "'The Voice' has obviously been on TV a lot longer so if anything the pressure is on their show more than ours."
The winner of the inaugural 'Greatest Dancer' will take home a £50,000 prize pot and win the chance to perform one night on 'Strictly Come Dancing', compared to 'The X Factor' champion landing a million pound record deal.
And star Cheryl hinted there isn't as much pressure on the BBC show as a result.
She added: "With this show, you're helping them to win £50,000 - which is awesome - and to perform on 'Strictly' so you're just giving, giving and giving.
"You're not trying to create a career. Hopefully a platform but not a career."
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