Simon Cowell is just waiting for Gary Barlow to slip up with his new talent show

Simon Cowell's waiting to see if Gary Barlow's new show copies X Factor. Photos / Getty, supplied

Simon Cowell is reportedly considering taking legal action against Gary Barlow if his new TV talent show is similar to The X Factor.

Gary previously starred on the British version of the money-spinning TV show, but as the Take That singer prepares to launch his own talent show, Simon is monitoring the situation closely.

A source explained: "Simon's team is keeping a close eye on Gary's show...to make sure that it's completely different to his own projects - otherwise there could be trouble.

"As the trailblazer in the TV talent show sector, it's no surprise Cowell wants to protect his brand.

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"He keeps an eye on all the developments in the industry as they could impact on his business."

Simon and Gary have become rivals ever since the music mogul suggested the singer-songwriter was to blame for falling ratings of The X Factor.

However, a source close to Simon, 56, claims his interest in Garry's new BBC show, Let It Shine, is nothing out of the ordinary.

The insider told the Sunday Mirror newspaper: "Like all successful TV companies, Simon's team identify what factors make any new shows different and what is intellectual property and copyright. This is normal practice."

But according to legal experts, format rights are notoriously difficult to protect, meaning Simon would find it tough to win a legal claim against the chart-topping star.

The format of Let It Shine will see Gary travel up and down the country looking for five singers to form a Take That tribute band.

The winners will then perform the songs of Take That in an upcoming stage show.
The show will run for eight weeks in a prime-time Saturday-night slot on the BBC.