2:32pm UK, Sunday September 20, 2009

The X Factor has won the battle of the ratings with 2 million more viewers than its BBC rival Strictly Come Dancing.

 

X-Factor judges Louis Walsh, Danii Minogue, Cheryl Cole and Simon Cowell

X Factor judges Louis Walsh, Danii Minogue, Cheryl Cole and Simon Cowell

The ITV1 show was watched by an average audience of 9.3 million on Saturday night, peaking at 10.7 million.

The first Saturday night broadcast in this year's series of Strictly attracted an average of 7.7 million viewers, peaking at 8.7 million.

The two shows clashed in the primetime slot with Strictly being shown between 7.25pm and 9.05pm, while X Factor went out between 8pm and 9.15pm.

A BBC spokesman said: "We are very pleased with Strictly's viewing figures from last night's show.

"The peak audience of 8.7 million combined with 9.1 million on Friday night means the show has got off to a great start."

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Strictly's Phil Tufnnell and partner

He said the clash between Strictly and X Factor had not damaged either show with more than 19 million people tuning in to watch them.

X Factor judge Simon Cowell has called on ITV to move the show so it does not clash directly with its rival.

Tennis player Martina Hingishas become the first celebrity to be voted off Strictly Come Dancing.

The casting vote of judging chairman Len Goodman saved Crimewatch presenter Rav Wilding and sent Hingis packing after the two celebrities came bottom in the viewers' poll.
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