'X Factor' wins ratings war

TV

13:30 22 August 2005

'The X-Factor' triumphed in the ratings war on Saturday night (20.08.05) with a staggering 6.6million viewers.

The ITV1 talent show, starring Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh, won an impressive 40 per cent of UK viewers - beating BBC1's rival show 'He's Having A Baby'.

The BBC show, which sees host Davina McCall give future fathers a series of challenges, pulled in an audience of only 2.4million.

ITV boss Claudia Rosencrantz said: "'The X-Factor' has returned stronger than ever with a great mix of talent and some real characters to watch along the way.

"We are sure 'The X-Factor' will find another top singing sensation."

Saturday's show saw judges Simon, Sharon and Louis audition another string of bizarre hopefuls, including a transvestite dairy farmer and a boyfriend-girlfriend double act, who had to be escorted from the premises by burly security guards when they refused to leave.

Simon recently admitted he will consider the show a failure if he doesn't find a global star this year.

He said: "I do think we have found some genuine talent because this year I'm looking for a worldwide star. If I don't get an international artist, I have failed."

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