The Stage

BBC and ITV reality hits both draw 7 million viewers

Published Monday 8 October 2007 at 15:00 by Matthew Hemley

ITV1’s The X Factor and the fifth series of Strictly Come Dancing on BBC1 were neck and neck in the ratings battle this weekend, with both attracting in excess of 7 million viewers.

The X Factor drew an audience of 7.5 million on Saturday, while the BBC’s ballroom dancing show had an average of 7.4 million.

However, in the 45 minutes when the two shows were both on air at the same time, the BBC had more viewers, with an average of 7.8 million compared with ITV1’s 7.2 million.

On Sunday night, when both shows broadcast their results show, The X Factor picked up an audience of 7.4 million compared with the 6.8 million who tuned in to the BBC.

Former Coronation Street actor Brian Capron, best known for playing serial killer Richard Hillman, was the first celebrity to be voted off Strictly Come Dancing.

Meanwhile, The X Factor judges each selected their final three acts.

Simon Cowell, who is mentoring the groups, chose girl band Hope, boy band Futureproof and brother and sister act Same Difference.

Dannii Minogue, who is looking after the boys aged 14-24, put through Andy Williams, Leon Jackson and tenor Rhydian Roberts.

Sharon Osbourne, who is overseeing girls aged 14-24, selected Alisha Bennett, Kimberley Southwick and Emily Nakanda, while Louis Walsh put through Beverley Trotman, Daniel De Bourg and Niki Evans in the over 25s category.