'X Factor' slips further in British TV ratings

UK television audiences for are continuing to desert 'The X Factor' with 'Strictly Come Dancing' averaging more than one million more viewers.

Another 200,000 have switched off the ITV1 programme since last Saturday, leaving it with its smallest audience so far this series of 8.4 million.

Two years ago, 'The X Factor' was attracting more than 12 million viewers at this stage.

Controversy has surrounded the show recently when producer Richard Holloway was seen whispering in judge Louis Walsh's ear shortly before an elimination decision.

It was alleged that the judge was told to change his mind and send the vote to deadlock, which Walsh has since denied.