Bruno Tonioli thinks it will be "tough" to beat ‘The X Factor’ in the ratings this year.
The ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ judge thinks the rival show will see a ratings boost this year with Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole returning to the judging panel, but still thinks the BBC One dance contest will triumph when they go head-to-head for viewers.
Speaking at BritWeek in Los Angeles, he said: "Cheryl and Simon have a unique chemistry on screen that the viewers really like, so they will be a strong show this year.
"It will be tough. But we still want to be best.
"Our team is working around the clock 24/7 to make our show the best.
"They work like crazy to make sure we are ready and that our contestants are ready.
"I think that is one of the reasons we are number one.
"We will continue doing what we do and I hope we win again."
Bruno – who is joined on the ‘Strictly’ panel by Craig Revel Horwood, Len Goodman and Darcey Bussell – and Simon are good friends but he admits they are very "competitive" over their rival shows.
He said: "Simon is a good friend, but when it comes to the shows we are competitive.
"We are friendly rivals."
And the 58-year-old Italian claimed his pal has even confided in him with who is joining himself, Cheryl and Louis Walsh on the judging panel.
Bruno claimed: "I know who it is, but I cannot say."
But asked if he would ever leave ‘Strictly’ for the rival show, he added: "No, I love ‘Strictly’."
Bruno Tonioli: Beating X Factor will be tough
