Little Mix take on Simon Cowell by launching BBC1 Saturday night talent show to rival ITV’s The X Factor

LITTLE Mix are taking on Simon Cowell by launching a prime time BBC1 Saturday night talent show to rival ITV’s The X Factor.

The band, who won the contest in 2011, are poised to infuriate their old boss Simon by mentoring on a show to find the next big pop group.

Perrie Edwards, 26, Jesy Nelson, 28, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, 28, and Jade Thirlwall, 26 — who had an acrimonious split with Simon’s Syco label last year — will appear in Little Mix The Search.

Contracts are expected to be signed in the coming days.

A telly source said: “This show is huge for Little Mix but it will be a massive blow for Simon.

“The X Factor’s viewing figures have fallen for years but this could be the nail in the coffin.

“Saturday night needs a new singing competition to freshen it up and, with Little Mix involved, this could well be it.”

The source added: “The girls will be mentoring youngsters. They’re hoping their experience will mean they can create a group which can forge a genuine career.

“The groups will also be helped by people who have worked with Little Mix during their careers.”

Little Mix released their first four albums on Syco but grew frustrated at their treatment.

A row between Simon, 60, and the group’s management firm, Modest, saw them move to RCA, which released their fifth album, LM5, last November.

The X Factor’s 15th series last year drew in a peak viewing figure of 7.5million to see Dalton Harris crowned the winner.