'X Factor' beats 'Dancing' in ratings

The autumn weekend ratings battle has started with X Factor winning the first round.

The ITV talent show attracted an average 7.5 million viewers and a 34.6% share at 6.45pm on Saturday night, with the first outing of BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing managing 7.4 million viewers and a 35.8% share at 6.15pm.

Saturday's X Factor peaked at 8.5 million in the final 15 minutes, with Strictly peaking at 8 million in its final quarter hour.

When the shows were aired in their new additional Sunday slots at 6.45pm, X Factor was a clear winner with 7.4 million viewers and a 31.4% share over the hour, with Strictly managing 6.8 million and a 29.2% share.

Source: Digital Spy