Entertainmentuktvuktvrealityuktvxfactor

'The X Factor' 2015: Ratings Down Two Million On Last Year, With Lowest Viewing Figures For A Launch Show In Nine Years

The 'X Factor' Ratings Are In, And Simon Cowell Might Want To Look Away...
Daniel Welsh
|

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.

MORE 'X FACTOR':

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.

Open Image Modal

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.

'X Factor': Most Controversial Moments
Emily Nakanda's Happy-Slapping Scandal(01 of06)
Open Image Modal
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)
Open Image Modal
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)
Open Image Modal
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)
Open Image Modal
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)
Open Image Modal
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)
Open Image Modal
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)

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK | FOLLOW US ON TWITTER

Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip