X Factor edges ahead of Strictly Come Dancing in the battle of the box

The nationwide singing competition beat BBC1's Strictly Come Dancing in the contest for viewer ratings over the weekend, as both shows were pitched to do battle on Saturday and Sunday evenings.

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Kate Garraway, left, with partner Anton du Beke, has suffered from tendonitis but so far footballer John Barnes is safe

X Factor came out on top with average viewing figures of 7.5 million, while provisional figures show Strictly Come Dancing hit an average 7.4 million.

But during the 45-minute period when both shows were on the air, Strictly Come Dancing pulled in a larger audience, peaking at 8.2 million viewers.

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On the Sunday results show, former Coronation Street killer, actor Brian Capron and his dance partner Karen Hardy, partner of last year's champion cricketer Mark Ramprakash, were voted off the BBC1 show.

While the X Factor judges chose their 12 finalists in the episode which saw the remaining finalists visit the judges homes. Dannii's groups went to her home in Ibiza, Simon's his mansion in Marbella, Sharon's her LA home and Louis group went to Ireland.

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Star turnout: (From left-to-right) Billy Zane, Kimberley Stewart and her father Rod, sit with presenters Bruce Forsyth and Claudia Winkleman

But there was plenty of glamour for the Strictly audience which welcomed rocker Rod Stewart and daughter Kimberley who flew in from LA to support his wife Penny, and Hollywood actor Billy Zane, better known as Kelly Brook's fiance.

The dance contest has been plagued by injury this year, with former Dynasty star, Stephanie Beacham, the latest to be affected.

Casualty: Actress Stephanie Beacham joined the list of injured as she battled back pain, with GMTV's Kate Garraway suffering with tendonitis

The actress, 58, had to sit out most of the girls' dance on Saturday with back pain - which viewers could not see because of careful editing. Her injury comes after GMTV host Kate Garraway, 39, also sat the week out with tendonitis.

In the X Factor, Dannii Minogue put through 22-year-old singer Andy Williams, alongside 18-year-old Leon Jackson and controversial choice, tenor Rhydian Roberts.

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X-Factor girl band Hope are already early favourites to win the show

Osbourne, taking on girls aged 14-24, selected Alisha Bennett, Kimberley Southwick and Emily Nakanda while Louis Walsh chose over-25s Beverley Trotman, Daniel De Bourg and Niki Evans.

Simon Cowell selected girl band Hope and boy band Futureproof - both formed from failed soloists from earlier rounds, and sibling singers Same Difference.

The X Factor judges will be reunited this week as the live finals of the show begin