Since 2010's X Factor final, which saw Matt Cardle triumph over Rebecca Ferguson, records show a loss of 4.91m viewers, down from 17.7m.

BBC: James Arthur wins X Factor final

The bumper ratings were helped by the 17.2m people who saw former painter and decorator Matt Cardle win this year's X Factor on ITV1.

BBC: Sunday night TV ratings highest on record

Cardle sold 439, 000 copies to see off competition from a number of Facebook-led campaigns, Rihanna Ft Drake, and the original version of his own single.

BBC: X Factor's Matt Cardle grabs UK Christmas number one

According to overnight numbers provided by ratings research board Barb, 17.7 million tuned in to see Matt Cardle named the winner on ITV1 and ITV1 HD.

BBC: X Factor final 'most watched show of 2010'

Rangers moved into a three-goal lead in the first half but Callum Woods pulled one back for Dunfermline before the break and Joe Cardle strengthened hopes of a comeback with the visitors' second after the break.

BBC: Jim McIntyre upbeat despite Dunfermline cup thrashing

However according to the OCC, Cardle's track sold almost 170, 000 copies in its first two days on sale, more than three times the sales of its nearest rival, Rihanna Ft Drake, which ended up the week selling 104, 000.

BBC: X Factor's Matt Cardle grabs UK Christmas number one

Victories for Nicola Adams, Luke Campbell, Tom Stalker and Scott Cardle put the home squad 4-2 in front at the interval but, after Evans' loss, three consecutive victories for Meng Fanlong, Babacar Camara and Sean Turner levelled the scores.

BBC: Welshmen Andrew Selby & Fred Evans defeated