BBC, ITV fight for Royal Variety

The Royal Variety Performance is at the centre of a dispute between BBC and ITV, reports say.

In the past, viewing rights to air the show have been shared by the two channels, who have alternated coverage for nearly 50 years.

However, the BBC is hoping to permanently take the performance from a cash-strapped ITV, according to the Daily Star Sunday.

Following its rival's announcement last week that it will cut another £20m from its programming budget, insiders at the BBC are confident in their attempt to air the event on a continual basis.

"The feeling is we can make a serious play to take the Royal Variety Show off ITV's hands permanently," one source claimed.

"They are clearly struggling financially, so it makes sense."