Simon Cowell has woken up to some good news and some bad news regarding the viewing figures for this year’s ‘X Factor’ launch show.
The good news is, it was the highest-rated show in its timeslot, when the 13th series got underway on Saturday night (27 August).
The bad news? It pulled in the lowest viewing figures for an ‘X Factor’ launch in a decade.
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This year's 'X Factor' judging team
ITV
This year’s series opener pulled in 6.8 million viewers (including viewers who tuned in an hour later on ITV+1), down 800,000 from last year’s launch show, which saw the introduction of new judges Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora, as well as presenters Caroline Flack and Olly Murs.
With 6.8 million tuning in, it’s also the lowest ratings for an ‘X Factor’ launch since 2005, which had 6.6 million viewers.
However, there is a silver lining for ‘X Factor’ bosses, as this year’s series debut still managed to beat a special 30th anniversary episode of ‘Casualty’ on BBC One, which had 5.1 million viewers, making the singing competition the highest-rated show of the night.
However, returning judge Louis Walsh recently told HuffPost UK he wasn’t concerned about ratings this time around, insisting: “The way people watch TV now’s different. But [we’re] the best show. It mightn’t be the biggest, but it’s definitely the best.”
'X Factor' continues on Sunday (28 August) at 8pm on ITV.
'X Factor' Judges Through The Years
Series 1-3 (2004-2006)(01 of11)
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The original line-up: Sharon Osbourne, Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh (credit:ITV)
Series 4 (2007)(02 of11)
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All change: Dannii Minogue joins Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne, with Brian Freidman replacing Louis Walsh.Dermot O'Leary also replaces Kate Thornton as the show's host.
Series 4 (2007)(03 of11)
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The return of the Walsh: Louis makes a comeback after Brian Freidman is axed from the panel after only a few days of auditions.
Series 5-7 (2008-2010)(04 of11)
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The golden era: Cheryl Cole replaces Sharon Osbourne, joining Simon, Dannii and Louis.
Series 8 (2011)(05 of11)
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A mass exodus: Gary Barlow, Tulisa and Kelly Rowland join the only original remaining judge, Louis Walsh.
Series 9 (2012)(06 of11)
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Schermazing: Nicole Sherzinger replaces Kelly Rowland, joining Gary, Tulisa and Louis.
Series 10 (2013)(07 of11)
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She's BACK! Sharon Osbourne rejoins the panel after five years, replacing Tulisa and joining Louis, Gary and Nicole. (credit:Rex)
Series 11 (2014)(08 of11)
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REUNITED: Simon and Cheryl return alongside Louis Walsh and new judge Mel B. (credit:Syco/Thames/ITV)
Series 12 (2015)(09 of11)
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Bye bye Louis: Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora replace Louis and Mel, as they join Simon and Cheryl on the panel. Meanwhile, Caroline Flack and Olly Murs step into Dermot's shoes as hosts. (credit:Twitter)
Series 13-14 (2016-17)(10 of11)
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A vintage line-up: Nicole, Louis and Sharon all stage sensational returns to the panel after the departures of Cheryl, Nick and Rita, while Dermot also returns as host. (credit:ITV)
Series 15 (2018)(11 of11)
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WTF?! Louis Tomlinson becomes the first former contestant to join the panel permanently, while Robbie joins the panel alongside his wife and 'Loose Women' panellist Ayda Field. (credit:Doug Peters/EMPICS Entertainment)