It's definitely got its mojo back! The X Factor tops the Saturday night ratings with 9.7 million viewers
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The X Factor has topped the Saturday night ratings with a peak audience of 9.7 million viewers.
An average audience of 8.8 million tuned into the ITV1 talent show between 8 and 9pm, representing a 40 per cent share of viewing.
Although The X Factor was the most-watched programme on Saturday night, it is currently benefiting from Strictly Come Dancing's absence from the scheduling, with the BBC One rival returning to screens next week.
They're impressed! The X Factor topped the Saturday night ratings with a peak audience of 9.7 million viewers
Saturday night's episode saw a welcome return from one of last year's favourites, builder Joseph Whelan.
And he came back with a vengeance when he completely won over the four judges once more.
Joseph even brought his five-year-old son with him as he set about showing off his talents on the programme once again.
Although it wasn't only his vocal ability which stunned Gary Barlow, Nicole Scherzinger, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne - his son also played a big part.
Back again! Joseph Whelan returns to The X Factor after missing out on the final stage last year to try his luck once more
His secret weapon: Joseph's five-year-old son Kian was invited in to watch the audition and also won the judges over again as he sat on Nicole's lap
Good father: Joseph brought his five-year-old son along to the auditions ready to give it another go
Hitting it off: His son proved to be a secret weapon as the judges also fell for him while also being wowed by his talents
He's through! Joseph was ecstatic when he was praised by all four judges and swiftly put through to the next round once again
When Joseph first walked into the audition room Gary was delighted to see him, while Nicole gushed: 'It's good to have you back!'
They then asked after his son and invited the cute youngster in to watch the performance, much to Joseph's delight.
Once there Nicole invited Kian to come and sit on her lap while he showed off his mini Olly Murs style in a trilby hat.
First time: He was a favourite when he first auditioned last year but was shocked when he just missed out on the live rounds
Getting to know you: Gary Barlow was seen chatting to the son of one the men audition Joseph Whelan
Joseph belted out his track while showing off his guitar skills at the same time and it wasn't long before he was given four very string yeses and out through to the next round.
Gary told him: 'It's a pleasure to see you back. I loved your voice last year, I love it more this year. I think you've got something very special.
Louis added: 'I'm glad you came back this year, this is what the show's all about.'
Sharon then gave him a resounding yes and Nicole got Kian to say yes for her as they all clapped and he left ecstatic to be given another chance.
Trying their best: Duplex insisted they were the X Factor but were met with underwhelming comments from all four judges
Not happy: The girls, who were the first to be seen on Saturday night's show, gave it some attitude when they were denied a chance to go through
Surprise! Justin Peng revealed he'd moved from China to Leicester and gave a surprise stunning performance
Crush: He also admitted to loving Nicole Scherzinger and cheekily asked to get a kiss from her
Ecstatic: He joked that he wasn't going to wash his face after seeing her lipstick marks on his cheek
Meanwhile it was also a dramatic night for teenager Hannah Sheares, who was left in tears when the X Factor judges asked her to ditch her best friends and go solo to stand a chance in the contest.
The 17-year-old shop assistant was left heartbroken on the show on Saturday night when she was forced to make a decision about whether she would like to continue in the competition alone after trying out with her group The Daisy Chains.
Viewers saw the young hopeful being told by the panel that she is ‘carrying’ the others and needs to choose her career or her friends.
Make-your-mind-up time: The girls have to make a decision whether to carry on as a trio
Divided: Most of the judges loved teenager Sam Callahan but Gary was left feeling underwhelmed
You're on camera! Boyfriend and girlfriend act Green Boots spent most of the time declaring their love for each other and kissing
Inseparable: They wouldn't let go of each other even during their audition performance
Unimpressed: Nicole Scherzinger let it be known exactly what she thought of each act
The trio auditioned for the ITV show with The Supremes' top 10 hit Stop In The Name Of Love but Hannah proved to have the standout voice after Hannah had told judges they took the name because ‘if one of the links is broken, we don't work’.
But after performing, Gary Barlow told them: ‘I don't think there's an easy way to say this - Hannah, I think you have the potential to go far, but on your own.’
And fellow panellist Nicole Scherzinger agreed: ‘Hannah is the strongest vocalist and she has the strongest tone - and right now she's carrying the group.’
Teasing: Gary tells Louis he could be a member of The Nostalgics, so he joins them
Hannah told the judges she did not want to leave her friends Kari, 21, and Laura, 19, behind, adding: ‘I feel torn to to be honest. I love the girls with all my heart, do you know what I mean?’
Barlow explained the hard realities as he told her: ‘You can have friends but this is serious stuff - this is a career, this is something that could last for the rest of your life. If you really are as good friends as you're telling us, I think your two friends would understand what we're saying here, and they'd be OK with it.’
But as they went away to discuss it among themselves, Hannah sobbed: ‘If you were my best friend you'd support me through whatever, and you're saying that you wouldn't be my best friend anymore.’
Cringe: Twitter was full of dislike for mother-daughter duo Exaggerate as they auditioned together
Oh dear: And the judges were also left unimpressed with the family combo act
Colourful: The twin brothers were unanimously rejected by the judges who questioned why they entered in the first place
And while the girls from Solihull were out of the room, making a decision, Barlow warned: ‘If you haven't got that sort of cut-throat attitude, you're never going to get anywhere.’
Fans of the show saw Hannah eventually agree to continue alone - although she had another secret up her sleeve - the two girls she was with were in fact her sisters.
Sleepy: Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne, Gary Barlow and Nicole Scherzinger pretend to take a nap during the audition
Meanwhile Gary teased Louis that he should be in the line-up for a group made up of pensioners whose oldest member was 94.
The 61-year-old music manager even stood with Coventry-based oldies The Nostalgics at Gary's request on the show as they prepared for their audition.
Double trouble: Duplex dress to impress with bow ties and tuxedo style jackets
Double trouble: More matching outfits came from Joanna and Alexandra
The 14-strong group, whose ages ranged from 68 to 94, surprisingly impressed the judging panel with their performance of Bring Me Sunshine, known to millions as the signature tune for comics Morecambe and Wise.
Earlier as they assembled for their audition, Barlow joked: ‘This is what we needed, a nice fresh, young group of people.’
And he added: ‘I think you're a member short - I think Louis could fit in the group.’
Variety: Richard Bayton (L) and Justin Peng (R) are just two of the acts who will be trying their luck
Family values: Mother and daughter combo, Exaggerate do their best on the show
Veteran judge Walsh, who has been with the show since its launch in 2004, then cheerily added himself to the group's ranks.
But Barlow pointed out: ‘Louis, I think you're too grey for this group.’
X Factor continues on Sunday evening at 8pm.
Bright coat: Lorna Simpson looks bright and beautiful in vibrant coat for her audition
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2429033/The-X-Factor-tops-Saturday-night-ratings-9-7-million-viewers.html#ixzz2feLuVKnL
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