ITV’s The Voice ‘to go head-to-head with BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in ratings war’

ITV’s The Voice and The Masked Dancer are set to go head-to-head with BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in a fierce ratings war, it has been reported.

ITV is reportedly bringing out its most popular shows in an attempt to steal some viewers from the much-loved dancing show which attracts fans every autumn.

The Mirror claims that ITV ‘rolled over’ last year in the face of Strictly’s popularity, choosing to air game shows and quizzes to win over viewers instead.

But now when Strictly airs on Saturday nights it will face The Masked Dancer at 6.30pm followed by The Voice UK – which originally aired on BBC before moving to ITV in 2017.  

The Voice – which stars judges Tom Jones and Anne-Marie – pulls in around four million viewers. 

ITV announced their ‘jam-packed’ autumn TV schedule earlier this week as the busy period looms.  

ITV and BBC have been contacted by MailOnline for comment. 

Ratings: ITV is reportedly bringing out its most popular shows in an attempt to steal some viewers from the much-loved dancing show which attracts fans every autumn (The Voice is pictured)

Strictly Come Dancing will strut its stuff back onto screens September 17. 

But BBC bosses are reportedly worried the upcoming 20th series’ final episodes will be forced off the Saturday night schedule due to The World Cup.

According to The Daily Star tickets to the live shows are currently only being offered until November 26, due to the uncertainty of the football’s interference.

A source told the publication: ‘It is a major headache and die-hard fans will be fuming if Strictly gets taken off air because of the football’.

TV: Now when Strictly airs on Saturday nights it will face The Masked Dancer (pictured) at 6.30pm followed by The Voice UK – which originally aired on BBC before moving to ITV in 2017

The show is transmitted Saturday evenings on BBC One with the pre-recorded results show aired on a Sunday, however the sports tournament which will be held in Qatar may change the schedule. 

While The BBC and ITV have agreed what games will air during the first weeks of November, the semi final and final matches on December 3 and 10 will likely clash with the beloved dancing show. 

The BBC declined to comment when contacted by MailOnline.  

Coming soon: Strictly Come Dancing will see its professional stars celebrate 100 years of the BBC with a special themed week this year

 The news comes after it was revealed Strictly would see its stars celebrate 100 years of the BBC with a special themed week this year.

To mark the centenary, the Strictly couples will either dance ‘to a theme tune from an iconic BBC programme or in tribute to one of the BBC’s most-loved services’. 

The anniversary show is also set to feature two special routines by the professionals – one will honour the BBC’s Natural History Programming unit, while the other will see the dancers ‘crashing’ some flagship shows.

Oh no! BBC bosses are reportedly worried the upcoming 20th series’ final episodes will be forced off the Saturday night schedule due to The World Cup (United States player Matthew Hoppe pictured)

Strictly’s executive producer Sarah James said: ‘We know how much viewers love the Strictly themed weeks so it’s fantastic to be able to announce a new one, celebrating the BBC’s centenary.’

In a recent statement, Strictly bosses said fans can enter a draw to watch a recording of the special centenary performance take place on August 24.

They said: ‘Strictly Come Dancing is celebrating 100 years of the BBC! The professional dancers will be throwing a party like only they know how, with a group number full of all the usual sparkle and glamour.

Success: Last year’s series was won by deaf EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis who was watched several times per week by at least two million viewers

‘There may well be a surprise or two as well, with special guests and fun tributes to some of your favourite BBC shows.’

The 15 contestants taking part in the forthcoming series of Strictly have already been confirmed. 

Those taking part include presenter Helen Skelton, former Bros singer Matt Goss, actress Kym Marsh and retired Arsenal and England footballer Tony Adams. 

STRICTLY COME DANCING 2022: WHO ARE THE CONTESTANTS?

KYM MARSH

Age: 46

Profession: Coronation Street star and presenter

Kym says: ‘I’m so delighted that this year they have! I’m a huge fan of the show and can’t believe I’m going to go from watching at home in my pyjamas to actually dancing in front of the judges in a glittery dress.’

RICHIE ANDERSON 

Age: 34

Profession: Radio presenter 

Richie says: ‘This is a dream come true! I cannot wait to get in those sparkles and sequins and shimmy across the most famous dance floor in the world!’

ELLIE SIMMONDS 

Age: 27

Profession: Former athlete 

Ellie says: ‘To be asked to be part of the Strictly family is just so exciting and I cannot wait, it’s going to so much fun.’

TYLER WEST 

Age: 26

Profession: Radio DJ

Tyler says: ‘It’s a show that means so much to me and my family and I can’t wait to seriously shake a leg on that shiny dance floor… with a side of sequins.’

ELLIE TAYLOR

 

Age: 38

Profession: Comedian

Ellie says: ‘Well, cover me in fake tan and roll me in sequins! I’m absolutely over the moon to be a part of Strictly 2022!’

TONY ADAMS MBE 

Profession: Retired footballer and manager

Tony says:  ‘To say I’m excited is an understatement – the lure of the sequins and the call of the salsa has me swapping my battered old football boots for a set of Strictly soft shoes’

  

JAMES BYE

Age: 38

Profession: EastEnders actor

James says ‘I’m not known for my shimmy or my twinkle toes – in fact my kids regularly laugh at my dad dancing but it’s an honour to be asked and I’m going to give it my best shot.’

HELEN SKELTON

 Age: 39

Profession: TV and radio broadcaster

Helen says: ‘I’m really excited to get stuck into a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can’t wait for me to get started’

WILL MELLOR

Age: 46

Profession: Actor

Will says: ‘I know it will be a huge challenge but that’s what life is all about. This is also my Mum’s favourite show and she’s had a really tough few years so I’m doing this is for her as well. Bring it on!’

 KAYE ADAMS 

 Age: 59 

Profession: Television presenter 

Kaye says: ‘I said I wanted to make the last year of my fifties memorable and i can’t think of a better way of doing it than showing the world my two left feet. Pray for me!’ 

 JAYDE ADAMS

Age: 37

Profession: Comedian

Jayde says: ‘I’ve been a massive fan of the show for years. I feel like I’m watching myself in a dream and I can’t believe I’ve manifested this.’

MATT GOSS

Age: 53

Profession: Singer

Matt says: ‘I’ve been reclusive, I come and work and then go back to America. I thought, it’s time for me to come home and get out of my own way’

 MOLLY RAINFORD

 Age: 21

Profession: Singer 

Molly says: ‘I already know it’s gonna be an experience of a lifetime and I can’t wait to meet the rest of the Strictly family I’ll be sharing it with.’

FLEUR EAST

Age: 34 

Profession: Singer

Fleur says: ‘I’m equally nervous and thrilled to be part of this year’s Strictly line up. I’m excited to learn new skills and I want to soak up every moment of this magical experience.’

 HAMZA YASSIN

Age: 35

Profession: Wildlife cameraman and presenter

Hamza says: ‘I am absolutely over the moon to be joining Strictly 2022. Never in a million years did I think I’d be on such a cool show.’