'X Factor' final was 2010 'most watched'

The X Factor final has been named the most watched programme of 2010.

Overnight viewing figures from ratings research company Barb suggest that 17.7m people tuned into the December 12 show on ITV1 and ITV1 HD, which saw Matt Cardle named as the winner.

The initial numbers do not take into account consolidated figures, which include those who recorded the programme to watch at a later date.

BBC One and BBC One HD's coverage of England's World Cup match against Germany on June 27 was the second most watched show, with consolidated viewing figures of 17.4m.

The top five list, which has been compiled by ITV, includes episodes of long-running soaps EastEnders and Coronation Street, as well as the England World Cup game against Algeria.

Peter Fincham, ITV's director of television, commented: "If there was ever any doubt about the enduring popularity of high-quality television content broadcast free-to-air to mass audiences, then the last year has laid that to rest."