New X Factor Sunday show confirmed

This year's X Factor will be beefed up with a new Sunday results show when the live stages are reached, ITV confirmed today.

From mid-autumn, the usual Saturday programme showcasing hopefuls' performances will be joined by the new peak-time Sunday show, also featuring guest stars.

Both shows will be live, so viewers will have a greater opportunity to vote over weekends.

The official announcement follows widespread speculation that plans were being drawn up for a Sunday show.

Last week it was announced that Strictly Come Dancing is abandoning its Sunday night results show in favour of an extended Saturday night programme.

At the time of that announcement, it was understood that part of the reason for the change was the desire to avoid a possible clash with the ITV1 results show.

ITV's director of entertainment and comedy Elaine Bedell said: "The X Factor just keeps getting bigger and better, with last year's series breaking records as the most popular yet, so we're delighted to be offering ITV1 viewers more of what they want."

Following the ITV1 shows, ITV2's The Xtra Factor will also be broadcast on both Saturday and Sunday nights during the live stages of the series.

The 2008 series of The X Factor was the most successful ever, watched by an average audience of 10.7 million viewers and a 43.9 per cent, across its run.

* The X Factor returns to ITV1 at 7pm on Saturday, 22 August, with The Xtra Factor from 8.30pm on ITV2.