The Australian version of The X Factor will not be returning for a second season, it emerged today.

The show, which was bought by the Ten network at a cost of $25 million (£10 million), has failed to perform strongly in the ratings despite a high torrent of publicity. The first season is currently averaging around 700,000 viewers a week, whereas Australian Idol, which also airs on Ten, enjoyed a 2 million average in 2004.

"We're clearly unhappy with X Factor's ratings. It's a bit hard to hide that," said John McAlpine, Ten CEO. "I'd struggle to say right now that we'd renew it."

He added: "I think we've peaked in terms of adding to the supply pool. Australian Idol we want to protect. It will do a good job [later this] year, but it might be on its own in the future, I think."