The X Factor has suffered a massive slump in viewership with almost 2 million less tuning into the show than last year. Viewing figures show that an average of 7.6 million people watched the opening episode in the UK compared to 8.9 million people last year.
Despite the arrival of new judges Rita Ora and Nick Grimshaw, as well as new presenters Olly Murs and Caroline Flack, the show, which is in its 12th year, still failed to impress. It would appear that people aren’t interested in Simon Cowell’s shake up of the competition. This is also the first year Louis Walsh hasn’t featured as a judge.
Last year the X Factor ratings for the final dipped to a 10-year low. An average audience of 9.1 million tuned in to see Ben Haenow win the contest, the lowest since the first series in 2004 which saw Steve Brookstein crowned the winner.