Cowell’s company to break away from ITV to launch new BBC series

Cowell’s entertainment firm is to produce a new talent series for ITV’S rival broadcaster – the BBC.

The corporation has announced its first-ever partnership with the producers of ITV’S flagship Saturday night talent shows The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent.

It has commissioned Syco Entertainment, owned by Mr Cowell, and Thames, the entertainment arm of Fremantlemediauk, to produce a new Saturday night dance talent series.

The show to be called The Greatest Dancer will see dancers from across all genres of 0 Simon Cowell’s firm is to produce a dance show the art form compete in the hopes of being named the UK’S Greatest Dancer.

Kate Phillips – the BBC’S Controller of entertainment commissioning – said: “With the continued success of Strictly Come Dancing, the BBC is undoubtedly the home of dance. By launching The Greatest Dancer, we want to give the vast array of dance talent across the UK the chance to shine.

“I can’t wait to work with Syco and Thames to uncover the talent out there and let our audience critique and celebrate the nation’s unsung dance heroes.”

The series was commissioned by the BBC’S director of content Charlotte Moore and Ms Phillips.

Saturday night staples such as the X Factor could go head-to-head in the ratings against The Greatest Dancer.