X Factor Hits Bum Note As Viewers Snub Show's Return

The X Factor might have returned with a bang on Saturday night but it looks as though not many people tuned in to see it as viewing figures for the first episode of the ninth series have revealed that 9.2 million tuned in, 3.4 million down from last year's launch when Tulisa Contostavlos, Gary Barlow and Kelly Rowland made their judging debut.

It is believed that the viewing figures, which averaged at 8.1 million on Saturday night, have been the lowest since the launch of the show in 2006, according to The Sun.

The numbers bear a stark contrast to the 12.6 million fans who tuned in to see the first episodes of the last two years.

Defending the fall in ratings, a spokesperson for the show said: "The X Factor launched on the hottest day of the year, and its audience was still over double that of the next nearest programme. We have a great series ahead, with some fantastic talent to look forward to.

"The X Factor’s a national talking point whether the ratings are a little down or not. ITV are confident fans that missed the show will catch up on ITVPlayer or YouTube, or have it recorded to watch later.”

The show saw 22 year-old Zoe Alexander throw an almighty hissy fit when the judges told her she wasn't going through to the next round whilst 16 year-old student Ella and hopeful Jahmene Douglas impressed the judges with their performances.