Nearly a million more people tuned into the BBC One countryside series than the ITV talent show on Sunday (23 November) night, as host Matt Baker explored a woodland architecture school in Dorset.
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'The X Factor' suffered another ratings blow
‘Countryfile’ attracted 7.67 million viewers from 6.15pm, while just 6.8 million people (inc. ITV +1) saw Anton Stephans voted off ‘The X Factor’ from 8pm.
In contrast, ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ thrilled 10.82 million from 7.15pm on BBC One, as Jamelia was became the eighth celebrity to leave, making it the most watched show of the day.
The latest instalment from the ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!’ jungle also proved more popular than ‘The X Factor’, pulling in 8.77m viewers at 9pm, adding an additional 327k on +1.
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'Countryfile' beat 'The X Factor' for the second time this series
On Saturday, the 'Strictly Come Dancing' Blackpool special appealed to 10.3 million, while 6.55 million (227k on +1) tuned into Love and Heartbreak week on 'The X Factor'.
Simon Cowell has previously insisted that he is not worried about The X Factor’s overnight ratings, claiming that the official figure, which is released a week later to include the people who watched on catch-up, is more important.
Back in series four, 15-year-old Emily Nakanda was one of the early favourites to win the show, but had to back out, after a video emerged showing her violently attacking another teenage girl.Reports at the time said Emily was asked to leave the competition by producers, or risk being axed. (credit:Ken McKay/Rex)
Frankie Cocozza Oversteps The Mark(02 of06)
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Frankie's hard partying during his time on 'X Factor' in 2011 was well-documented, but it ended up costing him his place in the competition, when he broke one of producers' "golden rules", later reported to have been the use of class-A drugs. (credit:Beretta/Sims/REX)
Grimmy And Rita Join The Show(03 of06)
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The addition of Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora was - at least initially - a controversial one, with some critics wondering whether either of them had the relevant experience to find the UK's hottest talent. (credit:ITV)
The Six Chair Challenge(04 of06)
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The 'Six Chair Challenge' has been a sticking point with 'X Factor' viewers since its debut in 2013. Many have branded the final stage of Bootcamp cruel, with some hopefuls gaining a place at Judges' Houses only to have to give it up later, but Simon Cowell clearly doesn't mind, as it's back for 2015. (credit:Tom Dymond/Thames/Rex)
Louis Walsh Pushes Dannii To Breaking Point(05 of06)
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Louis repeatedly accused Dannii of stealing one of his acts' songs back in 2008, resulting in the 'Put The Needle On It' singer breaking down in tears live on air, and having to vacate the panel at one point to gather herself.Simon jumped to Dannii's defence, telling Louis: "Dannii made the right choice, Louis, if you don't like it, tough."You're always whining and complaining. You two have to kiss and make up." (credit:ITV)
Gamu-Gate(06 of06)
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A turning point for Cheryl's popularity with the British public came when she was met with a backlash for putting both Cher Lloyd and Katie Waissel through to the live shows, over viewers' favourite Gamu, despite neither of them finishing their performances at judges' houses.Reports later suggested that Gamu could be facing deportation from the UK - adding to the backlash against Cheryl - though the aspiring singer was later insistent this was not the case. (credit:Ken McKay/TalkbackThames/Rex)