UK Edition
Feeds
The X Factor returned with its highest ever debut audience last night (Saturday), according to early ratings figures.
The fourth series premiere pulled in an average of 9.5 million viewers and a 45% audience share between 6.40pm and 7.40pm, up by 2.5 million on last year's debut. The figure is also higher than the averages for both the first and second series finales.
The peak audience was an impressive 10.7 million (48%), with an average share of 60% amongst 16 to 34-year-olds, ITV said today.
BBC One's Dance X, screened at the same time, had just 2.7 million and a 12% share.
Elsewhere, X Factor's strong start gave the new format Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? a healthy lead-in, helping it to an average of 6 million and a 28% share.
