THE first live episode of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing beat ITV rival “The X Factor” in the TV ratings battle.

An average audience of 9.3 million watched on BBC One on Saturday night as 15 new celebrities hit the dance floor.

That compared with an average of 4.8 million for “The X Factor,” which overlapped with “Strictly” for 45 minutes.

“The X Factor”’s audience fell by 1.5 million on last week. This series’ launch show had the lowest opening viewership — merely about 6 million — since 2004.

The figures for both shows will rise once those watching them on catch-up services are added.

Celebrities including Debbie McGee, The Reverend Richard Coles and actor Gemma Atkinson performed their first routines during a bumper two-and-a-half hour episode of “Strictly.”

Also taking part was Alexandra Burke, who won “The X Factor” herself in 2008.

The audience peaked at 10.2 million, making it the most watched program of the day.

Former JLS singer Aston Merrygold topped the leader board after Saturday’s program, performing a jazzy foxtrot with partner Janette Manrara.

Comedian Brian Conley and TV presenter Ruth Langsford wound up joint last.

On “The X Factor,” 16-year-old Rai-Elle Williams from Croydon, south London, impressed judges Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne.

Cowell compared her to a “canary who bites your hand off.”

(SD-Agencies)