Simon Cowell 'considering taking legal action against bosses of The Voice over plans to copy his show The X Factor's Six Chair Challenge'

Media mogul Simon Cowell is reportedly considering taking legal action against The Voice's bosses amid allegations the contest is set to employ an X Factor gimmick.

According to The Mirror, Simon is disgruntled about alleged plans for European editions of The Voice to debut a version of The X Factor's Six Chair Challenge - using four chairs as singing hopefuls vie for a coveted seat to advance to the next round.

A source told the newspaper: 'Simon listened to advice but decided to continue with his action against Talpa [who own the rights to The Voice]. He is speaking to lawyers who specialise in format protection.'

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Battle? Simon Cowell is reportedly considering taking legal action against bosses of The Voice over alleged plans for some editions of the show to copy The X Factor's Six Chair Challenge

Simon's Six Chair Challenge sees each of the show's judges whittling their large group of contestants down to six, often bumping previous choices aside as selections are made later on in the competition to allow others to advance.

The UK version of the show, which recently became a stablemate of The X Factor after moving from BBC1 to ITV, will not be using the chair challenge, according to the report.

Added the source: 'Simon’s team identify what factors make any new shows different and what is intellectual property and copyright. This is normal practice.'

Staying as is: The UK version of The Voice - starring (l-r) Gavin Rossdale, Sir Tom Jones, Jennifer Hudson and Will.i.am - will reportedly not carry a copy of the chair challenge

Meanwhile, Simon and Katie Price were forced to vehemently deny claims they had an intimate relationship in 2012, while she was engaged to Leandro Penna.

Model Leandro, 31, alleges that the glamour model dismissed his accusations that she cheated on him after staying out all night at a 'business meeting' with Simon.

Speaking to The Sun on Sunday, Leandro said he believed Simon had an affair with Katie after reading texts on her phone - before finally confronting her after she spent a night out with him. 

The judges: Simon appears on The X Factor alongside (l-r) Nicole Scherzinger, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh

When asked for comment on the claims, a spokesman for Simon Cowell said: 'These are very historic rumours, going back at least five years.

'For example, she came to his 50th birthday party in 2009 – but that’s it. Simon and Katie have long been friends - and nothing more.'

MailOnline has contacted representatives of both Katie and Leandro for comment. 

Busy: Simon is currently working on the latest season of Britain's Got Talent, alongside (l-r), David Walliams, Anthony McPartlin, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Declan Donnelly

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