It’s been reported today that X Factor and BGT guru Simon Cowell is considering defecting from ITV to take his hit shows to the BBC.

Apparently, he’s been in touch with BBC1 controller Danny Cohen to discuss ideas he has for new shows, including a scripted drama, as he feels ITV have “betrayed” him by not demonstrating sufficient loyalty to him or acknowledging the 11 years of shows he’s brought to the broadcaster.

A source close to Simon told the Daily Mirror, “Simon rang Danny Cohen to congratulate him on how well The Voice was doing.

“He then said he had a great idea for a brilliant drama and outlined it.

“He’s gone off to do a proposal and it will be treated like any other idea from an independent production company…

“If it’s brilliant then great. We’ll see a treatment then get it developed in the normal way.”

However, a BBC source said, “We’re a long way off any commission. We’re happy to talk but there’s a feeling we could be being used in Cowell’s ongoing war with ITV.

“Cowell wants the BBC to know he could be working with us – this is his way of flexing his pecs and showing them he has options.

“Danny doesn’t want to be played off by Cowell.”

And it seems that Simon’s right-hand woman Shu Green has been “poached” from the Cowell camp by ITV bosses who’ve given her the task of developing a new Saturday night show.

Simon apparently described the move as “a slap in the face”, but ITV are unrepentant about signing Shu up.

An insider said, “Shu is brilliant. If she can help us create great new formats for entertainment and talent shows, we won’t need to rely on Cowell so much”

Last week, Shu said, “After almost a decade working with Simon, the most amazing producer and talent I have ever met, I felt this was the right moment to step into my own light.

“I intend to put my heart and soul into putting ITV Studios back where it belongs – at the heart of Saturday night entertainment.”

We will of course keep you posted if Simon does head off to the BBC!