Louis Walsh claims credit for X Factor's record-breaking 11m viewers

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Walsh, who was sacked by show supremo Simon Cowell said it was his return as a judge to the popular show that had brought in the record-breaking number of viewers who tuned into the show on Saturday night.

Scroll down for more ...

Back together: The X Factor judges including reinstated Louis Walsh cheer the winning formula

Walsh, 55, told The Sun: "Well I wouldn't want to say, 'I told you so', but I think nearly 11 million people is a fair indication that Simon should never have sacked me.

"He thinks its all about him, of course, but I think deep down inside he knows it's me the viewers really love."

The first episode of the fourth series of the ITV show recorded its best ever audience for a series-opening show.

The peak of 10.7million viewers was 2.5million up on the first episode of the last series, which eclipsed the audience for the final shows of series one and two.

Scroll down for more ...

14-year-old Emily (above) and Niki Evans, a 34-year-old mum of two (below), are the early favourites with the bookies

Walsh added: "Seriously, it's a great achievement and I'm so proud for everyone."

The show hit the headlines earlier in the year after original judge Louis Walsh was given his marching orders and replaced with American choreographer Brian Friedman.

However, viewers saw Walsh being summoned back to the judging panel during the first show after Osbourne complained of having no "chemistry" with Friedman and Cowell admitted he was not happy with the way things were going.

The firing and reinstating of Walsh was regarded by some as a publicity stunt.

Scroll down for more ...

Dermot O'Leary tries to dry contestant Zoe's tears

The large audience attracted by X Factor proved that reality TV's appeal is continuing to grow.

ITV boasted having an audience greater than three times the size of rival show Dance X on BBC1 which aired at the same time.

A new series of Who Wants To Be Millionaire also returned to ITV1 on Saturday night and also dominated its slot with six million viewers tuning in.

A record 150,000 people applied for the fourth series of The X Factor, auditioning in Birmingham, Manchester and London.

Early favourites to win are a 14-year-old Londoner called Emily, who is in a new lower age category, and Niki Evans, a 34-year-old mum of two. Last year the show was won by Leona Lewis.

Bookmakers William Hill have made whoever wins the X Factor the favourite to top the charts this Christmas.