The grand finale of the series, which saw Steve Brookstein walk away with a record contract and the temporary attention of the tabloid newspapers, was watched by fewer viewers than BBC One鈥檚 Strictly Come Dancing.
But the success of the programme鈥檚 interactive functions has seen bosses overjoyed as a massive 22 million votes were cast by text message and the on-screen red-button, including 8.5 million during the final episode.
The show鈥檚 microsite on itv.com clinched a massive 500,000 unique users during the series, while a competition hosted by ITV to accompany the series garnered 600,000 entries and became the most successful of the year for the broadcaster.
Jane Marshall, interactive controller of ITV said: 鈥淭he X Factor gave viewers the power to choose their favourite artists and the chance to demonstrate that loyalty through voting each week.
鈥淭he viewer participation and interactive elements are integral to the show鈥檚 success both as a format and as a means of heightening viewers鈥 enjoyment and involvement.鈥
ITV has already commissioned another series of the show and the existing lead sponsor Nokia has agreed to stay on board for a UK tour by the finalists.
By Kevin May
ITV celebrates X-Factor interactive success
Bosses behind last year鈥檚 X-Factor reality pop contest are claiming the series was the most successful interactive show of the year.
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