10.2 million watch new X Factor

The first audition show of the new series of The X Factor attracted an average of 10.2 million last night.

The audience for The X Factor is still increasing despite the show being in its fifth series now. 4.9 million watched the first audition show in the first ever series of The X Factor in 2004. Last year the first audition show was seen by 9.5 million so this year's figure is well up on last year.

These ratings figures augur well for the new line-up this year with Girls Aloud band member Cheryl Cole replacing Sharon Osbourne.

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