Strictly gives in to X Factor

Strictly Come Dancing gives in to X Factor

Strictly Come Dancing has been moved to an earlier slot in Saturday's schedule

The BBC show will air from 6.50pm to 8.45pm as of 31 October.

It means Strictly will now only overlap with The X Factor - which starts at 8pm - by 45 minutes.

Previously, the programme was in direct competition with the ITV singing contest.

The X Factor has emerged victorious in the head-to-head ratings battle.

But BBC bosses insist the move has nothing to do with viewing figures.

A spokesman says it's been shifted to accommodate a new show by impressionist Jon Culshaw.

Meanwhile, Ali Bastian, 26, and partner Brian Fortuna, 27, are said to have flu-like symptoms.

Where to next?
- Who's dancing?
- Strictly backstage peek
- Strictly Come Dancing to lose weight