Cowell 'interested in buying Strictly'

Bruno Tonioli has claimed that X Factor boss Simon Cowell is looking to buy Saturday night rival Strictly Come Dancing.

The Strictly judge, who makes up the panel alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Arlene Phillips and Len Goodman, said that Cowell "loves" the show and wants to make it an even bigger success.

"If ever the BBC wanted to get rid of Strictly he would want to do it. He is a smart guy and recognises when something is good. You can't knock the show that is the biggest seller and is actually beating his shows all over the world. It sells, you know. It's a fact," he told The Telegraph.

"The show is a phenomenon worldwide so obviously he would like to have it in his stable. Can you imagine?"

However, a BBC spokesperson insisted that there is no chance of the music mogul acquiring the programme, which was this week named the world's most watched show.

"We're very flattered by Simon Cowell's interest but the show is not for sale," said the source.