Simon Cowell's Take That anger

Oct 18, 2007, 12:30 GMT

Simon Cowell is furious with Take That for instigating a chart battle with his protégé Leona Lewis.

The music mogul, who signed Leona to his Syco Music record label after she won UK reality TV show 'The X Factor' last year, has warned Take That they will regret going up against Leona in the UK singles charts this month.

Leona's 80s inspired 'Bleeding Love' is released on October 22 - although it is available to download from October 20 - the same week as Take That's 'Rule the World', the theme song to new movie 'Stardust'.

Simon told BANG Showbiz: "I am annoyed Take That have chosen to release their new single at the same time as Leona. I just don't know why they would do that.

"I certainly know which one I would rather buy. 'Bleeding Love' is a world class track and Leona is going to do very, very well."

Leona has become good friends with Take That since she performed with the group in last December's 'X Factor' final. Earlier this year, the band's lead singer Gary Barlow even offered to write a song for her.

Leona, 22, is dreading the chart battle and admits she was a massive Take That fan when she was growing up.

She said: "I used to have Take That pencil cases and Take That pencils, so to actually release something at the same time as them is so surreal!"

This is Leona's first single since she topped the UK Christmas charts last year with 'A Moment like This'.

Take That have enjoyed renewed chart success since they reformed last year. Their comeback single 'Patience' and follow-up track 'Shine' both reached number one in the UK singles charts.

(C) BANG Media International