The BBC’s attempt to out do the X Factor’s Saturday night dominance has backfired. Bosses are finally bowing to viewers’ demands to move Strictly Come Dancing to an earlier time slot to minimise the overlap. Since the shows squared off against each other, Simon Cowell’s series has attracted an average of 10.9million viewers compared to Strictly’s 7.8million.

Irate fans have bombarded the BBC with requests for them to move the ballroom extravaganza back to an earlier slot.
From October 31, Strictly will kick off at 6.50pm and end at 8.45pm.

ITV chiefs said: ‘It looks like they’re running scared.’ The X Factor will remain at 8pm start time.

But Beeb bosses tried to deny that the popular talent show hosted by Tess Daly and Bruce Forsyth, had been moved to due the competition with X Factor. A spokesman claimed it was to clear the way for a show by impressionist Jon Culshaw.