David Attenborough’s Planet Earth trumped X Factor in the ratings last night – as 2.3million people preferred watching two komodo dragons fighting than wannabe pop stars warbling
Telly lovers would rather risk nightmares than tune in to Honey G and co.
SIR David Attenborough’s Planet Earth II gave The X Factor a Sunday ratings hiding.
The ultra-violent BBC1 wildlife show pulled in 9.4million viewers while ITV’s pop wannabes mustered just 7.1million.
The Attenborough-narrated follow-up to the first Planet Earth in 2006 was the most watched nature show in the UK for 15 years — and was jam-packed with gore.
Dozens of racer snakes chased newly hatched marine iguanas in one scene dubbed “the stuff of nightmares” by transfixed viewers. Others included brawling Komodo dragons and blood-soaked chinstrap penguins battling against waves and a volcano.
One viewer tweeted: “Sorry Game of Thrones, Planet Earth is now officially the most violent show on TV.”
Meanwhile, over on ITV, divisive rapper Honey G made it through to the next stage of The X Factor.
Robbie Williams also performed on the show but his ex-Take That bandmate Howard Donald urged viewers to turn over.
He tweeted: “Try learning something and watch #PlanetEarth2 instead of the s**** on ITV. Record and play to your kids, they will be transfixed! #awesome.”