Better Than Expected Ratings for New X Factor Series

ITV has reported that the launch of the new X Factor series was watched by a peak audience of 12.6 million.

The result allayed fears that Simon Cowell’s absence from the show to concentrate on X Factor USA, as well as the departure of judges Cheryl Cole and Dannii Minogue, would harm viewing figures.

Overall, an average audience of 11 million on ITV1 and ITV+1 watched the three new judges, Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos and Kelly Rowland, along with X Factor veteran Louis Walsh on the show, giving it a 47% audience share.

A further 1.6 million viewers then watched X Factor spin-off show, The Xtra Factor, on ITV2.