X Factor final sees lowest ratings in show's history

Show's overnight ratings of 4.4m compared poorly to Strictly Come Dancing's 9.9m

(Getty)

This year's final of the X Factor pulled in the lowest ratings the show has seen since its inception.

Overnight figures for Saturday's show attracted just 4.4m viewers in comparison to Strictly Come Dancing, which saw an audience of 9.9m tune in.

The X Factor final kicked off at the same time as Strictly's musical special - at 7.05pm - and ran for just over an hour until Strictly concluded at 8.10pm.

The final's average audience figure was down by 1.1m compared to the 2016 version, which - until this year - was the least-watched X Factor final in the history of the series.

Strictly Come Dancing saw ratings of 9.9m

It slightly overshadowed the first ever win by a boyband - Rak-Su - whose debut single "Dimelo" was just released, featuring guest appearances from Wyclef Jean and Naughty Boy.

The single will raise money for two children's charities: Together For Short Lives and Shooting Star Chase.

Simon Cowell said: "I want to say first of all congratulations to [runner up] Grace [Davies] who is really an outstanding artist.

"Obviously to the guys, Rak-Su, you are gentlemen, stars and to everyone that voted, thank you."

Follow Independent Culture on Facebook