Britain's Got Talent ratings falling further

Hassle the Hoff: Viewing figures of BGT have dropped since Simon Cowell was replaced by David Hasselhoff

11 April 2012

'Britain's Got Talent' suffered a huge ratings slump this weekend.

The ITV1 talent contest was watched by an average of 8.99 million viewers on Saturday, which is the lowest number the audition stage of the programme has attracted since 2007, according to overnight figures.

It is a significant fall from last week's opening show which was watched by 11.6 million and a further 500,000 on ITV+1.

An ITV insider said the falling figures have alarmed TV bosses at the channel, who think the reason less people are tuning in is because the show's acid-tongued boss Simon Cowell is no longer on the judging panel, which now comprises of Amanda Holden, former 'Baywatch' actor David Hasselhoff and comedian Michael McIntyre.

The source told the Daily Mirror: "BGT has become one of Britain's most bankable shows for the last four years. Seeing the figures drop for a second week will set alarm bells ringing.

"A huge amount is riding on the new judging line-up without Simon Cowell."

However, it is hoped figures will look up when Simon joins the panel for the live semi-final stage of the competition.

Meanwhile, BBC1's Doctor Who enjoyed peak ratings this weekend, with seven million viewers tuning in to watch the Time Lord's adventures.