Yesterday, we reported that The X Factor had seemingly won the battle for viewer ratings over Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday night…

However, when we published that article, the number of viewers for the BBC’s repeat showing of Strictly – and views on iPlayer – hadn’t been taken into account.

But they now have, and it’s been revealed that overall, Strictly landed 300,000 more viewers than X Factor, and unsurprisingly, Simon Cowell is “fuming.”

A BBC insider told The Sun’s TV Biz, “These are great figures.”

Meanwhile, X Factor insiders insisted that the show had “turned a corner,” having landed 400,000 more viewers than the show did last week…

One X Factor source said, “This is the start of the fight-back,” and while speaking to the Daily Star, another insider said that Simon and the show’s bosses have vowed to beat Strictly in the ratings in future, saying, “The fight has now begun.”

But of course, it’s a double blow for Simon given that the new series of X Factor USA was beaten by The Voice last week in the battle for viewers.

In addition, the Star reports that X Factor judge Gary Barlow received a rollocking from Simon for “fraternising with the enemy” via the medium of a good luck tweet to SCD celeb contestant Kimberley Walsh.

Gary tweeted, “Good luck @KimberleyJWalsh… you don’t need it.”

Oh dear…

However, with regard to the ratings for SCD and X Factor, many insiders believe the acid test will come when both shows begin their live rounds on October 6th.

And of course, Cowell is reportedly spearheading a “shake-up” of the show in a bid to claw back viewers, including making plans to ditch new judge Nicole Scherzinger and replace her with guest judge Mel B.

Though based on what our readers have had to say about that, Mel B is far from a popular choice!

We will of course keep you posted on any further developments on that score.