The 2010 X Factor Final achieved the highest non-sport UK TV audience for 9 years

"The X Factor final attracted a record audience of almost 20 million viewers last night, ITV said.
The broadcaster said that the series notched up the biggest non-sport audience on any channel since 2001.
A peak of 19.4 million (a 60% share of TV viewers) tuned into see Matt Cardle take this year's crown on ITV1 and ITV1 HD.
The two-hour show, which kicked off at 7.30pm, was seen by an average of 17.2 million, a 55% share.
Both figures are records for the X Factor, which this year has been dogged by controversy.
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The previous X Factor record - a 19.1 million peak and 15.5 million average - was achieved last year. ITV said last night's show was the biggest non-sport audience since 2001, when the Only Fools And Horses Christmas Day special attracted around 21 million on BBC1.
Source:  Press Association, 13th December 2010