Viewers choose Aldi documentary over Simon Cowell's 'The X Factor: The Band'

The latest instalment of Simon Cowell’s new X Factor series failed to win over the viewers, with more people tuning in to watch a documentary about a supermarket.

The music mogul is back with The X Factor: The Band, a spin-off of his long-running singing competition.

Read more: Simon Cowell on going head to head with Little Mix

It sees hopefuls singing their hearts out in front of Cowell and Nicole Scherzinger - and a panel of industry experts - in the hope of becoming part of the next One Direction or Little Mix.

The second episode aired on ITV on Wednesday, and according to RadioTimes.com, it pulled in combined ratings of 1.63 million.

However, over on Channel 5, 1.72 million people tuned in for Inside: Aldi At Christmas, a peek behind the scenes during the store’s festive season.

At its most popular in 2010, The X Factor would pull in an average of 14 million watchers.

The shows did not go head to head entirely, as the Aldi special was on from 9pm to 10pm and The X Factor aired from 8.30pm until 10pm, but they did overlap.

But there has also been some good news for Cowell this week as the BBC reported that he has signed a new deal with ITV to broadcast his other big show, Britain's Got Talent, until at least 2024.

Read more: Simon Cowell cancels 60th bash to focus on work

Announcing the deal between ITV, Thames and his firm Syco Entertainment, the TV star said: "I am thrilled our relationship with ITV is to continue for the foreseeable future.

"ITV has always been home to Britain's Got Talent, The X Factor - and me! - and this long-term commitment shows the mutual respect in our partnership."

It was also confirmed that The X Factor would return in 2020 for at least one more season.