THE BBC could be forced to shift Strictly Come Dancing and its other most popular shows from their prime-time slots to aid privateer rivals under plans being considered by scandal-hit Culture Secretary John Whittingdale.

Mr Whittingdale is said to be considering the measure as part of the white paper on the future of the BBC that is due to be published within weeks, according to reports in Sunday newspapers.

It comes after years of bitter complaints from ITV that its advertising revenue is suffering because the BBC is dominating the Saturday-night battle for viewers.