The X Factor ratings up by half million

The X Factor, which returned on Saturday night, enjoyed better ratings; an average of 9.2million watched the opening show.

13:46 02 September 2013

The X Factor returned with a rating boost. According to official figures, there were an average of 9.2million viewers who tuned in to watch the opening show, which highlights the return of Sharon Osbourne to the judging panel. On Sunday, the show was able to attract even more viewers peaking at 10.4million. This is way higher compared to last year’s ratings, attracting only 8.7million viewers. The increased in ratings was followed by Simon Cowell’s promise to introduce exciting changes to the show.

Sharon Osbourne, who was one of the original cast back in 2004 and who was last seen behind the judging panel in 2007, replaced Tulisa Contostavlos.

Some of the highlights were the returned of “closed room” auditions and the appearance of prison officer Sam Bailey who was able to impress all the judges with her rendition of Beyonce’s Listen.

This year, viewers can expect double audition formats where contestants who passed the “closed room” audition will face an arena of crowd the next day.