The latest episode of the BBC One reality talent show, which has struggled in the ratings, was watched by 4.9 million people, according to unofficial audience figures.

It received a fifth of the audience share in its slot at 9pm on Sunday - switched from its usual place in the Friday night schedule to make way for Children In Need.

But it was soundly beaten by the final episode of ITV's wartime detective drama Foyle's War, which had 9.4 million viewers - 42% of the audience.

Katie was saved by her fellow pupils

However, Fame Academy has begun to win back viewers after initially struggling in the ratings.

Last week the show boosted its viewing figures to six million from 5.1 million the previous week.

Its ratings mirrors the pattern of the show in Spain and France, where it started slowly and then picked up steam.

Fame Academy's popularity has been measured against that of ITV1's Popstars: The Rivals, which drew an audience of seven million on Saturday night - a third of the viewing public.

Survival

The ITV show has been regularly pulling in similarly strong figures since it began.

On Sunday's Fame Academy, Nigel was one of three pupils singing for survival but failed to impress the voting public or his fellow pupils.

Malachi won the public vote with Vincent

Before the sing-off, the academy's head teacher Richard Park said: "The teachers still need to be persuaded that a great career beckons for Nigel."

He was up against Irish songwriter Malachi Cush and classically trained Katie Lewis.

Malachi won the public vote and retained his place in the academy with his performance of Vincent.

Then it was up to the remaining pupils to choose between Nigel and Katie.

They voted three to two for Katie who had been singing for survival for the fifth time with Madonna's song Papa Don't Preach.

Nigel said he was happy to go home to his wife and children.

The pupils are competing for a £1m record contract.

Hot favourites remain Lemar Obika, Ainslie Henderson, and Sinead Quinn.