London (HN): Simon Cowell has accused the BBC of betraying its public service obligations by aggressively scheduling the return of Strictly Come Dancing in a head-to-head clash with The X Factor. Cowell, who returns to the ITV talent show’s judging panel alongside Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, said the BBC had broken a “gentlemen’s agreement” by provoking a ratings battle between the two entertainment juggernauts, which would only “piss off viewers”. The BBC was engulfed in a “dirty tricks” row after it emerged that the new Strictly series will debut on Sunday.