Cowell rages over Gary, Rob 'Strictly' duet?

Simon Cowell has waged war on Strictly Come Dancing, according to sources.

The X Factor judge is apparently furious that the rival Saturday night programme has secured Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow to perform on its first live show on October 2.

According to The Mirror, Cowell has told fellow producers to do "whatever it takes" to ensure that X Factor beats Strictly in the ratings.

A source close to Cowell said: "This was like waving a red flag in front of a bull for Simon. He's a perfectionist. He wants to be the best and he hates to lose."

However, a Strictly insider added: "Getting Robbie and Gary on is just the start of an incredible series we've got planned. We are more than ready to show what we're made of."

Williams and Barlow performed together for the first time in 15 years when they sang their duet 'Shame' at the Help For Heroes charity concert last weekend.