The X Factor: Celebrity is beaten by rival show Strictly in ratings war as the ITV series pulls in an average of just under five million viewers
- The X Factor: Celebrity was beaten by rival show Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday as its launch episode pulled in an average of 4.8 million viewers, while the BBC series boasted 8.5 million fans.
- However, Cowell's singing show was the most watched show by far on ITV and easily won its time slot when it launched with a peak audience of 5.3 million viewers
- Latest news and updates on all of your favourite Love Island contestants
The X Factor: Celebrity was beaten by rival show Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday as its launch episode pulled in an average of 4.8 million viewers, while the BBC series boasted 8.5 million fans.
Despite the ratings, Simon Cowell's latest edition of the music competition franchise peaked at 5.3 million and won its time slot - 8.35pm to 10.05pm - with a 27.3% audience share, as well as being the most watched show on ITV.
The singing series - which featured the likes of Martin Bashir, The Love Island supergroup and Megan McKenna - served as the most-watched show of the evening among 16 to 34-year-old viewers, but suffered a dip from last year's opening edition of 5.7 million.
Decline: The X Factor: Celebrity was beaten by Strictly on Saturday as its launch episode pulled in an average of 4.8 million viewers, while the BBC series boasted 8.5 million fans
Dance competition Strictly is currently in its fourth week and reigned victorious when it came to ratings with an average of 8.5 million, a 45.6% audience share and a peak of 9.1 million.
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In 2018, X Factor - which saw Louis Tomlinson, Robbie Williams and Ayda Field take to the panel - launched with 5.7 million viewers and a 34 per cent share of viewing, up by two share points the previous year.
The episode peaked with 6.3 million viewers, a 3 per cent share, and had a 48 per cent share of 16-34s viewing.
A source told MailOnline: 'We are thrilled with the reaction to the launch of The X Factor: Celebrity and the fact it won the night among the key 16 to 34s demo, peaking with half of all young people watching TV.
'The feedback from viewers has been overwhelmingly positive and The X Factor: Celebrity had a rare 14 trends across the night on Twitter.'
Impressive: The dance competition is currently in its fourth week and reigned victorious when it came to ratings with an average of 8.5 million (pictured Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly)
Lively team: Alongside music mogul Simon, Nicole Scherzinger and Louis Walsh have returned as judges on this year's spin-off series (pictured with guest judge Randy Jackson)
ITV boss Kevin Lygo defended the show's declining ratings in the past - explaining it still remains one of the most watched programmes on TV.
He said: ‘X Factor, more than any other show, it’s been running a long time, ratings have been going down a bit, but it’s still…
'The idea that you could launch a new show today that is as big as X Factor is now, I mean, our job is to keep it young, keep it good, keep it fresh.’
Alongside music mogul Simon, musician Nicole Scherzinger and entertainment manager Louis Walsh have returned as judges on this year's spin-off series.
Drop: Last year, X Factor - which saw Louis Tomlinson, Robbie Williams and Ayda Field take to the panel - launched with 5.7 million viewers
Spotlight: During the opening episode, Love Island's Zara McDermott, Eyal Booker, Wes Nelson and Samira Mighty belted There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back by Shawn Mendes
Sweet: Among the highlights was veteran broadcaster and interviewing legend Martin Bashir, who warmed the audience's hearts with his performance of a Nat King Cole classic
Strong: Glee star Kevin McHale also put a twist on Camilla Cabello's Never Be The Same, and given his musical background, it came as no surprise he delivered a stellar performancer
During the opening episode, Love Island's Zara McDermott, Eyal Booker, Wes Nelson and Samira Mighty took to the stage with a rendition of There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back by Shawn Mendes and earned a predominantly positive response from the panel.
As they performed, Samira, 22, displayed her amazing vocals, while Wes, 21, revealed a hidden talent for rap.
Zara, 22, and Eyal, 24, also offered their own vocals during the audition, and overall the group received a positive response from the panel.
Fans will have to wait and see whether the Islanders will advance to the live shows, with the results set to be revealed next Saturday.
Struggling: Brendan Cole and Jeremy Edwards did not receive the unanimous praise they were hoping for as they sang a minimal version of Kylie Minogue's Love At First Sight
Showgirl: Hayley Hasselhoff earned a mixed response with her 'between a record and a musical' performance
Wow! Another surprise of the night came from The Chase star Jenny 'The Vixen' Ryan - who belted out Somebody To Love by Freddie Mercury
They can sing? Closing out the opening show were the rugby star supergroup Thom Evans, Ben Foden and Levi Davis - who formed the group Try Star
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