For years now, BBC's Strictly Come Dancing has been a huge ratings success – and now rival ITV has decided it's time to hit back. The channel is spending millions to develop a brand new dance show, titled Dance Dance Dance, according to a report in the Sun.
Just like Strictly, the programme will feature celebrity contestants – but instead of trying to master professional dances like the waltz and the foxtrot, they will try to replicate iconic routines taken from music videos, films and musicals; for example, moves made famous by Michael Jackson.
ITV are launching a show to rival Strictly Come Dancing
And rather than team up with a professional dancer, the star will be paired with someone close to them – whether it be a husband, wife, daughter, grandchild or best friend.
"For the past 12 years ITV has seen Strictly pull in massive ratings and gain a huge fan base of all ages," a source told the Sun. "But ITV have decided it's time to hit back and splash the cash on a super flashy show called Dance Dance Dance, which they bought from the company behind The Voice.
"Dance Dance Dance's budget will blow Strictly out of the water as producers are planning to incorporate revolutionary special effects and recruit some big names."
Dance Dance Dance will also feature celebrity contestants - but not professional dancers
The source added: "The format of stars selecting their own partners is particularly appealing for the celebrity contestant as, unlike the curse of Strictly, no relationships are threatened.
"Celebrities will be given the chance to actually spend time with those close to them, but ITV are also hoping that this dynamic will create strops between husbands and wives, brothers and sisters!"
Dance Dance Dance has already featured in the Netherlands, and was bought by ITV at the end of 2015. Filming is expected to start later this year, with the show ready to air in early 2017.