Variety show bans pop stars

ITV has banned pop stars from appearing on its Royal Variety Show, for taking part in the BBC's Children In Need charity event three days earlier.

Managers at Granada claim viewers would turn off rather than see a repeat of the same performances. That rules out stars such as Busted, Westlife and jazz singer Jamie Cullum from helping the BBC fundraiser.

Last year Gareth Gates and Liberty X were in both shows, which Granada claims led to its event being 'slated'.

The BBC is reportedly furious because, while both shows help good causes, Children In Need relies much more heavily on A-list names to persuade people to pledge money. 'The BBC does not believe fans would object to seeing their idols on screen twice in one week,' said a spokesman.

Children In Need is on November 21 while the ITV show, performed in front of the Queen, will be recorded on November 24.