Despite not starting for another two weeks, Strictly Come Dancing’s opening episode bagged three million viewers more than X Factor.
And an ambitious Simon Cowell is still keen on pulling out all the stops for the singing series to reign supreme in the much talked about ratings war against the dance extravaganza, with new reports stating he is set to ‘axe the Sunday night results show.’
Clearly keen on ‘shaking things up’, the music mogul, 57, is now said to be hoping for celebrity performances, as well as contestants battling it out for votes, on both nights of the weekend.
Shaking things up! An ambitious Simon Cowell is keen on pulling out all the stops for The X Factor to reign supreme in the much talked about ratings war against Strictly Come Dancing, with new reports stating he is set to ‘axe the Sunday night results show’
The X Factor and Strictly Come Dancing has long been pitted against each other in the ratings war and on Saturday an average 8.8 million dance fans tuned in to the BBC show, compared to 5.5 million viewers for the ITV series.
And an undeterred Simon is now hoping to manifest further plans to give the singing series a much needed boost to finally come out on top.
The father-of-one is hoping to continue the live television hype throughout the weekend – making it nail-biting for viewers at home as they witness participants fight for their place in the competition.
He is also hoping to amp up the entertainment value with a-list performances on both nights.
Changes: Clearly keen on ‘shaking things up’, the music mogul, 57, is now said to be hoping for celebrity performances, as well as contestants battling it out for votes, on both nights of the weekend
Ratings war: Despite not starting for another two weeks, Strictly Come Dancing’s opening episode bagged 3 million viewers more than X Factor
A source told The Sun: ‘Simon loves making changes to the show’s format to keep it fresh, so he’s been pitching to producers that the show should ditch the traditional Sunday night format, which is always 15 minutes recapping the previous night’s show, a guest performer, a sing off and an elimination.’
‘He wants the show to mix things up – have guest performers on Saturday’s show, kick out acts on both nights of the weekend… it’ll be must-see TV.
‘The shows will be tighter, less predictable for viewers and acts will perform across the weekend,’ it was concluded.
MailOnline has contacted representatives for The X Factor for further comment.
This comes after Strictly Come Dancing’s launch show on Saturday saw the contestants’ professional partners unveiled, as well as the introduction of new head judge Shirley Ballas, and a touching tribute performance to the late Bruce Forsyth.
‘He wants the show to mix things up!’ The father-of-one is hoping to continue the live television hype throughout the weekend – making it nail-biting for viewers at home as they witness participants fight for their place in the competition
‘It will be less predictable’: He is also hoping to amp up the entertainment value with a-list performances on both nights
Well remembered: The X Factor has featured some high profile celebrities and one of the most iconic moments of the show was when Beyonce did a duet with 2008 winner Alexandra Burke
Long list: Celine Dion (L) and Lady Gaga (R) have also entertained viewers with their performances
Proving a hit with viewers, the first episode of the 2017 series drew in an average of 8.8 million viewers, with figures peaking at a huge 9.5 million – making it the most-watched show on television that day.
While the competition does not officially begin until later this month, the launch alone attracted more viewers than The X Factor – which attained an average of 5.5 million.
The ITV rival also peaked at 6.8 million viewers, in figures recorded across the main channel as well as ITVHD and ITV+1.
However the shows did not directly compete – with The X Factor airing an hour after Strictly began, meaning there was a 40-minute overlap.
It was reported earlier this year that Simon Cowell has made some changes to the show in order to shake off stiff ratings competition with arch rival, Strictly.
Launch: This comes after Strictly Come Dancing’s launch show on Saturday saw the contestants’ professional partners unveiled, as well as the introduction of new head judge Shirley Ballas, and a touching tribute performance to the late Bruce Forsyth
Proving a hit with viewers: The first episode of the 2017 series drew in an average of 8.8 million viewers, with figures peaking at a huge 9.5 million – making it the most-watched show on television that day
Impressive: While the competition does not officially begin until later this month, the launch alone attracted more viewers than The X Factor – which attained an average of 5.5 million
Simon explained he had decided to try a format of less live shows and more of the middle audition stages, to see if its makes a difference to viewers’ enjoyment after 14 seasons.
Co-judge Nicole Scherzinger had nothing but praise for the change, revealing at the press launch: ‘The change in the number of live shows is just one of the ways Simon plans to freshen up the series this year, are you excited by what he has planned?’
She continued: ‘I love all the changes he’s making. You have to in this day and age, things are moving so fast over social media, you have to be changing with the times.’
‘You have to evolve. We’re evolving as a show, we want to give the people what they want!’
‘You have to evolve’: It was reported earlier this year that Simon Cowell has made some changes to the show in order to shake off stiff ratings competition with arch rival, Strictly