BBC Geared up for Talent Show Launch

It is the long-awaited centerpiece of the BBC’s Saturday night springtime schedule. A £20mn talent show with popstar judges that would give the corporation a “kindler, gentler” X Factor.

But with The Voice due to launch next weekend, the controller of BBC1 has warned that the show is a “high risk” venture and begged critics not to judge the program on ratings.

Danny Cohen’s apparent nervousness will not be helped by the news that ITV is bringing forward the new run of Britain’s Got Talent to go head-to-head with The Voice. Based on initial listings released by broadcasters, The Voice will be screened from 7.15 pm to 8.30 pm and Britain’s Got Talent at 7.45 to 9 pm.