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760k between Strictly and X Factor, the head-to-head must surely be a big gap between the two in Strictly's favour?

True. The Clash is really hurting X Factor. ITV Need to do something next week and move it to 8.15 or it might go even lower

The Strictly/Merlin combo is obviously working very well for the BBC.

Ouch. Low for X Factor

It starts at 8 next week so the clash is only 15 mins. Solid enough for it last night (inc +1) but it isn't really catching fire this year and that's a slightly bigger week on week decline than they'd have liked. Very good for Strictly and Merlin. TV Burp is struggling this time although Family Fortunes did OK considering the timeslot and the competition.

Can't say I am surprised at those X Factor figures, the talent just isn't there this year and the show seems to have lost its 'event TV' feel. Not only is there not that many stand out singers but there isn't really any big characters either.

Whereas in previous years the show seemed to build momentum going into the live shows, this year it seemed to lose it.

The figures aren't disastrous but I think ITV and Simon Cowell will be concerned - although if the talent isn't there they can't really do much about it.

What did it get with +1?

We had a good chat on twitter last week,Because the rejected Acts werent kicked out via a public vote.
Any bets Cowell will make a dramatic Entrance and say he was stunned with the acts kicked out and bring them back

XF seemed weirdly low-key and lacking in the big production numbers last night, compared to week 1...did they over-spend last week?! It was a poor theme anyway

Yes. I think Cowell or Cole will come back.

The Talent was APPALING the last 2 years, The last time there was any standouts was S5, I agree about the characters thing last year it was awful, and series 6 had not one good singer.

10.25m.

Exactly - don't know why they haven't done it before to be honest, makes perfect sense!

It should be higher next week then with only 15 minute clash

Merlin was up again yoy with almost +0.5m.

Thank D.M.N. Thats a good figure with +1 then. Would those vewiers have watched without +1 though?

Wonder how many stayed with BBC1 for Merlin after SCD and then chase-played TXF?

I reckon Jonathan Ross suffers from timeshifting X Factor viewers, missing the beginning or all of his show.

I'm really surprised with that X Factor figure. Personally I think it's one of the best years ever in terms of talent. There are so many good acts (Janet, Misha B, Kitty, The Risk, Sami), and they still have the fun ones like Johnny too. The panel is refreshed too.

Strong night for BBC1. Casualty seemed to get a boost from XF's weaker performance and SCD performed fantastically.

if people wanted to, they could add his show to the recording, and "chase play" that as well.

Last week's twist did TXF no favours. They lost a potential winner in Amelia.

There's a lot of dross in the acts, that are just filling other year's slots: Johnny (Wagner), Kitty (Katie Waissel), Janet (Diana Vickers).

Pleased for SCD.

True, but I see JR's shows as more casual viewing than 'appointment to view'

Quite low for TXF. There is some likeability missing there, and of course talent. Right now the only people that I would be happy with winning are The Risk (and I have never been a fan of groups). I'm sure the twist angered people.

Wonder what ratings will be for X Factor and Strictly tonight. Could Downton Abbey beat both of the shows?

Next week TXF should do better with the smaller clash, 8pm start and shorter running length.

But Song choice has to be spot on, next week is apparently Big Band so maybe they should announce the theme tonight like they used to sometimes so people get excited.