It’s definitely fingers-in-ears time for Simon Cowell, following the news that ‘The X Factor’ drew in its lowest ratings for an opening episode in nine years on Saturday night.
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The ITV singing competition returned to our screens on Saturday with a new presenting team and two spangly new judges, but sadly the new additions failed to draw in the big audiences that the show has grown used to over the years.
According to newly-released figures, 7.11 million people tuned in to watch ‘The X Factor’ on Saturday night, with a peak audience of 8.5 million.
This year's 'X Factor' judges and presenters
While admittedly, this might still seem like high ratings, this year’s viewing figures are still down two million on last year’s, which had over 9 million people watching for its launch.
This makes this year’s series opener the lowest-rated ‘X Factor’ launch show in since 2006 (and we can’t even imagine the smirk on Louis Walsh’s face right now).
Simon bragged last week that he was confident that 'X Factor' would win the ratings war with 'Strictly Come Dancing' this year, joking: "This show does feel better, the talent’s great, they’re interesting, so if it’s us versus Peter Andre, I’m going to put my money on us."
Just one episode in, and this year’s ‘X Factor’ has already had its first controversy, after immediate favourites 4th Power turned out to have a reality TV history, having previously appeared on a South Korean talent show, making it through to the last 10 contestants.
Viewers were also disappointed to see Olly Murs’ friend and former bandmate failing to get through to Bootcamp, despite the praise heaped on Susan ‘Techno Susan’ Pryce, the 60-year-old hopeful who twerked her way through her own unique take on 2 Unlimited’s ‘No Limits’.
‘The X Factor’ continues on Sunday night, at 8pm on ITV.
