The return of former X Factor judge Cheryl Cole has given the series a ratings boost – but viewer numbers remain well down on last year.

Last night’s show – which saw contestants perform at the judges’ houses – drew in an average 8.7 million viewers.

This time last year more than 11 million tuned in.

Related stories:

href="http://www.newstalk.ie/2012/news/entertainment/cheryl-cole-set-for-strictly-come-dancing/">Cheryl Cole set for Strictly Come Dancing

href="http://www.newstalk.ie/2012/news/entertainment/cheryl-warns-that-some-people-should-be-nervous-about-her-autobiography/">Cheryl warns some people should be ‘nervous’ over autobiography