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THE new series of Doctor Who captured just 6.2 million viewers on Saturday – the lowest audience for an opening episode since the sci-fi show’s return in 2005.

The figures were 400,000 down on the first programme of the current series, which has been split into two runs and hit 6.6million in April.

It suggests the Doctor’s popularity is on the slide – despite Matt Smith being the first Time Lord to win a Bafta nomination.

The weekend’s viewing confirmed that X Factor fans are not missing Simon Cowell in the slightest.

The second show pulled in a record 10.1million viewers – peaking with 12million. This compares with 9.8 million last year.

A jubilant ITV spokesman said: “This is more than we’ve ever had at this stage of the series. Everyone is thrilled.”

ITV1 also picked up the Channel of the Year Award at the Edinburgh TV Festival.