The first episode of this year’s X Factor was watched by an average of 10.5 million people on ITV1, according to initial overnight figures.

The talent show’s eighth series is the first without judge Simon Cowell, who is developing a US version of the show.

Take That’s Gary Barlow, pop singer Kelly Rowland and Cypriot  Tulisa Contostavlos of N-Dubz have joined the panel.

ITV1’s audience peaked at 12 million, the broadcaster said. On BBC One at the same time, The National Lottery: Secret Fortune was seen by an average of 3.5 million, followed by Casualty with 4.2 million.

Cypriot hopeful fracas

X Factor hopeful Cypriot George Gerasimou (seen above behind the judges holding the mike)  has insisted that he was pushed into losing his temper with Tulisa Contostavlos.

The 19 year old singer from North London was seen kicking off at the N-Dubz singer on last night’s show, calling her a ‘scumbag’ and a ‘dog, however he has now claimed that the whole thing was set up by the N-Dubz star’s PA.

George claims that he used to be friends with Tulisa’s staff member, but had a huge argument with him just before the show. He told The Mirror from Cyprus where he is currently on holiday.

 He said: “I fell outwith her PA about two days before the show and I’m sure it did me no favours when I was on stage. I didn’t stand a chance and I flipped.”

The singer – who also flipped on stage when he auditioned for The X Factor in 2009 – also took to his Twitter page to blame his former pal saying: