Simon Cowell could SUE Gary Barlow over his new talent show

Jan 3, 2017

So… it looks like Gary Barlow’s new show Let It Shine, might land him in hot water with ex-boss Simon Cowell.

According to the Daily Mail, producer of the X Factor, Simon Cowell, is seeking legal advice as the rival show may “infringe his rights”.

The BBC announced plans for the new show back in June, after selling singing show The Voice UK to ITV.

Following the announcement a source told the Sun, "Cowell is going to be furious because he thinks it was X Factor that gave Gary the experience working on a show like this. Now he’s gone and set up a direct rival.

The Take That star who appeared as a judge on the X Factor for three consecutive years, told the BBC that there was a “demand” for another talent show.

The purpose of the new talent show is to find five leads to star in a Take That musical.

Graham Norton and Mel Giedroyc will host the new BBC One show, which runs for eight weeks. With Barlow heading up the judging panel, joined by fellow X Factor judge Dannii Minogue, Spandu Ballet’s Martin Kemp and Glee star Amber Riley.

Looking forward to #LetItShine on @BBCOne as much as our Judges are? @MsAmberPRiley @DanniiMinogue @realmartinkemp & @GaryBarlow pic.twitter.com/AEm9T7PWvG

— LET IT SHINE (@BBCLetItShine) January 1, 2017

Popularity for the singing competition has dwindled in recent years, with the most recent series losing viewers to Strictly Come Dancing.

Speaking to the BBC, Barlow said, "I think people are ingesting TV in a different way now. That old system of ratings shouldn't really apply anymore."