The X Factor USA and a new series of The Only Way is Essex helped ITV2 to the best week in its 13-year history.

The ITV digital channel averaged an audience share of 3.5% across all times last week (19-25 September), up half a share point on its average performance for the year. It was also up 0.9% compared with the same week in 2010.

Furthermore, ITV2’s share of its key demographic of 16-to 34 year-olds hit 5.5%, which beat Channel 5 by 1%, according to the broadcaster’s figures.

The channel was helped by a record performance from The Only Way is Essex, which was watched by 1.66m (9.28%) on its return on Sunday.

The Xtra Factor’s audience of 1.1m (5.47%) on Saturday and The X Factor USA’s 1.13m (4.92%) viewers on Thursday also helped lift ITV2’s average share.

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