Walsh and Waterman battle it out

Popstars: The Rivals judges Pete Waterman and Louis Walsh have had a series of furious rows whilst recording for the programme.

The reality series will create an all-girl band and a boyband who will battle it out for the Christmas number one spot. Waterman will sign the boys to his PWL label, whilst Walsh will take the girls to Polydor.

The intense commercial battle has begun even before the finalists have been chosen, however, with Waterman accusing Walsh of trying to sabotage his boyband.

"Louis really wants to win. He’s been trying to shaft me by feeding me the wrong information," he told The Sun's Dominic Mohan. "He keeps saying people are really good who are not. Well, have them in Boyzone then, son.

"I am looking for four or five great singers. I am not looking for a blond, one with dark hair, one cheeky happy. Louis is trying to take my pop crown off me. I am the King Of Pop and he can have a go if he wants but he’s got no chance."

Walsh wasn't too convinced of Waterman's self-proclaimed "King Of Pop" title. Pete has never put together a proper band in his life," he said. "He is the Old Man Of Pop. He’s had lots of success in the past but nothing in the last few years. Steps were like an ABBA tribute band. He thinks people will buy a record because he’s worked on it. His ego is getting in the way of his judgment."

Tomorrow - 1 day to go: It's all over for the original Popstars band, say the new judges