Strictly Come Dancing beats The X Factor in Saturday night ratings battle... as 2013 launch becomes its most-watched EVER

• Strictly attracted 300,000 more viewers at its peak than The X Factor
• Average audience of 8.4m is highest ever, with 2012's Strictly launch drawing just 8m viewers
• The X Factor managed to attract a further 500,000 viewers if ITV1+1 figures are taken into account
  Strictly Come Dancing beat The X Factor in the Saturday night ratings battle this week, as the launch show became the most-watched series premiere of all time.
  The BBC TV talent show attracted a significant 300,000 more viewers than The X Factor - with a peak audience of 9.4million compared to the ITV show's 9.1million.
  Saturday night's launch show of Strictly saw the celebrity contestants paired up with their professional dance partners, as well as musical entertainment from stars including Rod Stewart and Jessie J. 
  
  

  Victory: Strictly Come Dancing won the ratings battle against The X Factor on Saturday night
  
  And it seems the format was more than popular with viewers, as the launch was the most-watched of all time.
  The episode had an average audience of 8.4million, compared to 8million in 2012, 7.6m in 2011 and 7.1m in 2010.
  Meanwhile, despite being beaten by Strictly in both peak and average ratings figures, X Factor did manage to attract a peak audience of 9.5million if the ITV1+1 figures are included.
  
  

  The tension is mounting! It was a nervous wait for the celebrities as they found out who they would be partnered alongside

  
  The big reveal: Hosts Sir Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly were on hand to reveal the partnerships for this year's show
  
  
  

  

  Star-studded: Jessie J and Rod Stewart provided the evening's entertainment as they took to the Strictly stage 

   

  Celebrities eye up their partners for Strictly Come Dancing

  

  Saturday night's episode of The X Factor saw some familiar faces return for another bid at victory.
  Jade Richards made it third time lucky on Saturday night when she stunned the X Factor judging panel with a moving rendition of Bruno Mars hit When I Was Your Man.
  Having made it all the way to Kelly Rowland's Miami home during the judges house's stage of the competition in 2011, she was left bitterly disappointed when she wasn't selected for the live shows.
  

  

  A familiar face: Jade Richards, 23, returns to The X Factor on Saturday night

  
  

  

  Hopeful: jade made it all the way to Kelly Rowland's Miami home in 2011

  The Fife teenager admitted she'd been 'working in supermarkets' since her last appearance on the show in 2012, while her job description flashed up as 'unemployed' as she sang.
  The 23-year-old was sent off with four yeses, but she wasn't the only familiar face on the show.
  Amy Mottram also returned and was put through to the arena auditions after losing out on last year's wildcard to eventual finalist Christopher Maloney.
  

  

  Delighted: Amy Mottram was another familiar face to return, and got four yeses from the judges

  

  Another chance: Melanie McCabe wowed the judges with her rendition of Rihanna's Diamonds

  

  Choked up: Louis struggles to contain his emotions as he was reduced to tears by Melanie's performance

  Dolly Rockers also returned with a version of Beyoncé hit End of Time and got four yeses for their troubles before Dubliner Melanie McCabe made an emotional return for her fourth attempt to make it through to the live shows.
  Clearly affected by Melanie's return, Louis broke down as he assessed her performance.
  'I know her family need this, I know you need this and I really want it for you. I really, really want you to do well,' he said.  'I'm saying as very big yes...Melanie this is your time - go for it.'
  The X Factor returns to screens on Sunday night for the second round of arena auditions, while Strictly will be back later this month.
  

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