A TV emergency? X Factor set for Casualty collision

The current cast of 'Casualty' (bbc)

The X Factor will go up against BBC1's National Lottery show and Casualty when it returns to screens next week.

ITV has confirmed the talent show will launch on August 31 with an 80-minute edition featuring a batch of auditionees, starting at 8pm.

It means the series debut will be up against National Lottery: Break The Safe and an edition of the long-running hospital drama.

A second edition of The X Factor will air on the Sunday, and the hour-long programme will go head to head with BBC1's popular Antiques Roadshow.

The singing contest sees a return to the judging panel for Sharon Osbourne, who will take her place alongside Louis Walsh, Gary Barlow and Nicole Scherzinger.

ITV sees the show as an important way to boost its autumn audiences on Saturday nights and to further boost its viewer numbers it will also launch its new dance show Stepping Out at 6.30pm the same evening. Later that night a new series of Through The Keyhole, hosted by Keith Lemon, will also be launched.

PA