Sadly it seems the end of The X Factor could be here rather sooner than later.
The singing competition suffered its lowest-ever ratings on Sunday, drawing an average audience of 4.3 million, whilst rival Strictly Come Dancing zoomed ahead with 11.3 million viewers.
Strictly’s Press Office proudly tweeted:
“Last night’s #Strictly Results Show was watched by a peak audience of 11.3 million viewers. Average was 10 million and 44% audience share.”
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But Sunday’s viewing figures for The X Factor were the worst since the ITV series started in 2004, when they used to boast peaks of 10 million plus.
A spokesman for Simon Cowell told the Daily Star: “This series is consolidating at an average of 7million viewers per episode based on the current ratings system.
“This does not include repeats or viewing via computer or mobile phone.”
A spokesperson for ITV added: “The ratings rise when consolidated viewing is factored in.”
But Simon, Sharon, Nicole and Louis might be getting their weekends back sooner than they think.
According to reports, ITV bosses could be looking at axing the show in 2018, when the music mogul’s contract is up for renewal.
A source told The Daily Star: “The show’s latest ratings are embarrassing.
“It used to be one of the real jewels in the crown for ITV.”
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This year the show has seen the latest series getting the facelift many thought it needed:
A new all bells and whistles studio in Elstree, following the closure of their ‘home’ Fountain Studios in Wembley last year.
A focus on rewarding the acts every week to help them up their game.
Double eliminations every weekend with a quadruple one expected on the next weekend’s live shows.
Live performances from chart topping acts both nights.
Imagine a life without X Factor? Where would our Saturday nights start then?
We really hope the rumours aren’t true and that Simon and the gang can get those ratings rising.