Updated: Barlow planning 'X Factor' rival show

Gary Barlow has held talks with the BBC about launching a new reality TV show to rival The X Factor.

The Take That singer wants to search for a new boyband to sign to his record label.

According to The Sun, Barlow first offered the idea to ITV, but was turned down by executives for fear of angering Simon Cowell. The star then approached the BBC, who have shown an interest in the concept.

"Gary is really keen to get into TV and has come up with a cracking idea. We’ve got high hopes for it. If it gets off the ground it could be something we do every year," a source told The Sun.

However, a spokesperson told DS: "We have had a very, very early meeting with Gary Barlow but it's nothing more than that at the moment. That's not to say we wouldn't like to work with him but nothing is even near commissioned at present."

Barlow recently revealed that he regularly attends small gigs in the hope of discovering new talent to sign to his company.