Ratings for the new series of the X Factor 2013 is looking positive for ITV

A new auditions format, a new judge – Sharon Osbourne – and the tenth anniversary of The X Factor UK, seem to have brought the audience back to a place where ITV bosses are more comfortable with.

The opening episode was up over 700,000 viewers on this time last year, but it is early days for any type of celebrations, because this year’s series started a week later than last year, and it is not until the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing returns that people start to take real notice of the figures.

However, it is a good start to the new series but there are tonight’s arena performances to come so ITV can only hope for an even bigger improvement in viewing figures.