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Celeb X Factor takes on Big Brother ITV has ordered a celebrity version of its hit format The X Factor to strip through the week in an attempt to hang on to viewers tempted by fellow UK terrestrial Channel 4's Big Brother in May. In the event series, X Factor judges Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh will be "pouring over the cream of British talent," said the producers, with Kate Thornton returning as host. However, the judges won't know which of their fellow celebs is performing in the show.  Tight-lipped about who he is signed up for the show, Paul Jackson, ITV's director of entertainment and comedy, said: "We are in discussions with celebrities right now but are keeping some of the elements of the show under wraps."However, he added: "We will be following the format of having under-25s, over-25s and groups, but we will decide on which celebrities make up the groups – putting different groups of people together to form a band." The bigger network has tried several tactics to combat the lure of the Big Brother house, including Celebrity Love Island last year, but this time it has rolled up its sleeves for a bare-knuckle fight. Not only is the Syco/Talkback Thames coproduction in the May mix but also Ant and Dec's exclusive interview with the princes Charles, William and Harry as part of Princes' Trust 30th Live, plus Soccer Aid, a charity match in which celebrities and World Cup legends compete. Furthermore, ITV has greenlit production on a second season of Celebrity Love Island to also send into battle against Channel 4's Endemol production. Ed Waller 24 Feb 2006 © C21 Media 2006 
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