The new series of Michael McIntyre's Big Show looks set to be a ratings hit for BBC One.

The opening episode of the Saturday night entertainment show's second series was watched by 6.2 million viewers, according to overnight ratings figures. Schedule staple X Factor, which was on ITV at the same time, attracted 5.9 million viewers.

The audience was also more than 3 million viewers larger than the last episode of Series 1, which was broadcast in May. Series 2 is likely to build on the ratings of Episode 1, with the show already one of the most-requested programmes on catch-up service BBC iPlayer.

Michael McIntyre's Big Show will have benefited from following Strictly Come Dancing's Blackpool special in the schedule, which was seen by over 11 million viewers.

The programme proved to be a hit with both critics and viewers. One newspaper reviewers said "As the Simon Cowell juggernauts begin to run out of steam, this could become the default choice for those who prefer their Saturday evening telly to feel like a prelude to going out, rather than a quiet night in."

Meanwhile, viewers took to social media to compliment the show's mix of family-friendly comedy, stunts and performances, with many particularly praising the singing talents of Andy Quinn, a firefighter who was the target of the popular Unexpected Star segment.

Speaking in an interview ahead of the new series, Michael McIntyre said: "Knowing that Series 1 was a success has allowed us to expand the ideas for Series 2 and explore more parts of it, we have tried to make them even more fun and be more confident with them."

Michael McIntyre's Big Show continues next Saturday on BBC One at 8:10pm

Here is a video featuring the Unexpected Star segment from Saturday's show in full: