Craig Revel Horwood scouts The X Factor for talent

Craig Revel Horwood scouts \'The X Factor\' for talent for his West End musicals.

The \'Strictly Come Dancing\' judge has admitted he watches the rival TV talent show - despite the competitive Saturday night ratings battles between the two programmes - in the hope of finding fresh faces for his own productions.

The 53-year-old choreographer told the Daily Star newspaper: "I do watch \'The X Factor\'. I do a lot of casting for my West End musicals on that show.

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"It\'s great for talent. I must thank Simon Cowell for introducing me to talented people."

The budding theatre director - who has helmed productions of \'Miss Saigon\', \'West Side Story\' and \'Sunset Boulevard\' - previously said he wanted \'The X Factor\' to "keep going" after he employed former winner Alexandra Burke in his \'Sister Act\' show.

He explained: "I\'d love to keep \'The X Factor\' going because I\'ve employed Alexandra Burke in my \'Sister Act\' show.

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"Simon Cowell is doing all the leg work for me in finding stars."

This summer, Craig - who has been a \'Strictly\' judge since the show began in 2004 - suggested his 59-year-old rival Simon could improve \'The X Factor\' ratings by appearing on \'Strictly\'.

He quipped: "He might need to do it after this year\'s dismal \'X Factor\' ratings. At least he\'d get more viewers that way."

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"Simon would fit right in on the dancefloor with those high trousers."

The dancer also admitted he thinks \'Strictly\' trumps \'The X Factor\' because the show features established celebrities as opposed to "wannabes".

He said: "We have celebrities whereas on \'The X Factor\' they\'re wannabes hoping to be famous."