10m tune in as Sharon’s return boosts X Factor

The X Factor continued its resurgence in the ratings as almost 10 million people tuned in to watch last night’s show.

The figure followed strong ratings for the opening episode on Saturday night, when an average of 9.2 million switched on to see the return of Sharon Osbourne to the judging panel, alongside Louis Walsh, Gary Barlow and Nicole Scherzinger.

Show boss Simon Cowell faced flagging ratings last year and responded by replacing Tulisa with Osbourne and bringing back the “small room” auditions. Saturday’s figures were 500,000 more than last year’s opening, but the audience increased further last night when 9.9 million tuned in with a peak of 11.2 million.

Last year’s series did not air on Sunday during its first weekend, but its first Sunday show was watched by 7.9 million.

Last year’s final, where James Arthur was named the winner, had an average audience of 11.1 million compared with the 13.1 million who watched Little Mix win in 2011.

It is only three years since 17.2 million tuned in to see Matt Cardle triumph in 2010.

The return of its rival, the BBC’s ballroom show Strictly Come Dancing, this weekend will also up the stakes as the broadcasters battle to dominate Saturday night viewing.