The friendship between Simon Cowell and Gary Barlow has become so strained that the next time they see each other could be in court.
They haven’t been on the best of terms since Simon gave the Take That singer the boot from The X Factor.
The launch of ‘Let It Shine’ on the BBC by Barlow has apparently infuriated Cowell.
So much so, apparently the music mogul has consulted lawyers about the new show that starts on Saturday.
Simon reckons that the format of ‘Let It Shine’ is close to the one that The X Factor follows.
He also reckons that Gary might be infringing his rights.
There has even been talk that Simon is prepared to sue if this bears out.
Gary’s talent search will find five singers to make up a West End version of Take That for a new musical.
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The auditions will be in front of judges before being the successful singers are sent through to a ‘bootcamp’ stage.
Spandau Ballet star Martin Kemp will join Gary on the judging panel, with Dannii Minogue leaving X Factor Australia to take the last seat.
The show will be going head-to-head with The Voice, when it debuts on ITV after its move from the BBC.
Simon Cowell was also infuriated that Gary had tried to poach Nicole Scherzinger from The X Factor as well.
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A friend of Simon told The Mail Online: “Let It Shine is all very similar to The X Factor.
“There are people who will be watching closely and Simon is ready to launch legal action.
“There’s no love lost between them so Simon has no qualms holding Gary to account or protecting his business interests.”
The BBC have countered, saying: “Let It Shine is an original format and bears no resemblance to any other format around the globe.”